VT Station, MumbaiToday was my last day in India. But, it was a very long day as my flight to London left at nearly 3 a.m.

Did a bit of shopping and emailing in the morning. As I passed the Central Railway Station, I noticed this rather rotund dog zonked out a couple feet from where there were thousands of people streaming out of the station. I don’t know how the street dogs of Mumbai do this. After I came back from India, I emailed a photo of the dog outside the railway station to Abodh, who informed me that the dog’s name is “Motu.”

Motu ("Fatso")Later on I met Abodh, who took me to a crafts exhibition in Bandra. Since we headed out at rush hour, it took an over an hour to get there by walking, commuter train, and auto-rickshaw. At the station in Bandra, Abodh saw three dogs he knew, who greeted him with wagging tails. I really think he knows every single street dog in Mumbai. And not just by name, but by personality (his characterization of most every dog he mentioned to me is that he or she is “damn sweet.”). He told me that dogs recognize his scent even before they see him. Not all are happy to see him. Some don’t like the medications he dispenses and run for the hills when they sense that he’s coming.

At the craft sale, I made some very last minute purchases, then we headed back to his house for a yummy home-cooked meal.

My last few hours in Mumbai brought together all the best things about India: animals, delicious food, beautiful crafts, and warm hospitality.