Andrea Edwards

I’ve been on the road, travelling and living around the world, since 1995. I’ve lived and worked in Melbourne, London, Boston, New York, Sydney, Singapore, Phuket, Noosa, Singapore and now, Phuket again. Before I left Australia in 1995, I had already built an amazing community of friends, who I adore to this day. And since then, so many more magical people have come into my life.   While this has been amazing, there is a hard part to it – missing the day-to-day moments. The sorrows, the joys, the celebrations. I’ve tried really hard to stay connected and involved in the lives of people who are special to me – social media is the greatest for this – but still, you can’t help but miss important stuff.   On this journey of life, I have always believed it is the people you get to meet that stands out as one of life’s greatest privileges. They are definitely the family you choose. I also think I’ve had a better run than most in the magnificence of the people who have come into my life.   Time to celebrate friendships   This year has been a wonderful opportunity to honour some of those remarkable friendships. I’ve taken chances to jump on planes to other parts of the world, just so I can say: hi, I love you and will always be grateful you are in my life – thank you.   But there were two significant trips this year – a week in Marrakech and my 30-year High School reunion. I know, I don’t look that old….   Ahhh Marrakech   My trip to Marrakech was to celebrate two amazing ladies’ birthdays – Nathalie and Elsa. I met Nathalie when I worked in London, and along with Saskia, the three of us had too much fun together. We shared so much of our lives during our late 20s, including introducing each other to many more friends – one of which was the fabulous Elsa.   In July, we all gathered together at Nathalie’s incredible villa outside Marrakech, overlooking the Atlas mountains. We were there to celebrate both of their 45th birthdays, because they didn’t want to wait until their 50th – too right. Nathalie’s villa is stunningly beautiful, but I can’t sing its praises in July – my word, that 45-degree Celsius weather made this tropical living lady feel sick.   But it was awesome. Nathalie and Elsa, here we all are, honouring you two magnificent Dames. I hope it brings tears to your eyes. Please tell me how it makes you feel when you’ve watched it?   30 Year School Reunion   After this, I went to Australia in October, to celebrate my brother’s 50th – happy birthday Paul – and then to Albury/Wodonga, the cross-border towns of my youth – for my 30-year School Reunion. My best mate Dunny flew down from Bundaberg, and it was AWESOME seeing so many people from school days.   The girls in my year were hilarious – and none of us have changed at all   We had a magnificent year. Fun, free, silly and hilarious, and while everyone couldn’t be there, it was amazing celebrating with those who were. Sometimes it feels like no time goes by at all. We’re all just a bit craggier these days… And Rags, I stole this picture from you – hope it’s OK? At this time, we are remembering those who have left us. Three so far. Let’s all make sure we’re still around for our 40 year reunion OK? But a new bar please! Bloody cranky bouncers at that one.   Remembering those who have left us   More travel to do   I have more reconnectingtravel to do – Boston is top of the pops. London too. Let’s face it, we are long overdue the opportunity for our boys to know their British roots!   But thank you to everyone around the world, for being my pals and seeming to be genuinely quite excited when I do show up. It really is appreciated and I love youse all.    So, if you’re reading this, give your pals a big squeeze. Tell ‘em you love them. Honour who they are and what they bring to your life. Friendship is awesome. It’s what makes the world go around, don’t you think?   Yours, without the bollocks Andrea Thank you for reading my ramblings. My brain and heart are a work in progress, always. I’d love a comment if it stirred any thoughts or feelings and of course, please feel free to share it with anyone you know who might be interested or entertained. I sure do appreciate it when you do. If you want to connect, I’m on Twitter here, Google+ here, Instagram here, YouTube here, and Facebook too. I share loads of stuff, not just my own xxxxx

It’s been a month since we moved to Phuket and I decided I would post a photo or video a day – to capture what I’m seeing. I plan to keep going, because it keeps me paying attention and living in the moment, but equally, I am blown away daily by differences.   The pics/videos are getting great interaction on Instagram and Twitter, but with Facebook’s pay-to-play model, not as much there. I’ll keep doing it anyway, because the world is an amazing place, and I love sharing my love for our global community.    So here you go, a selection of the month so far. We’re here physically, but we’re not here in our hearts yet. We know it will come, and we are patient, but think life will be a duality for a while…   My first #photoaday, a truck full of Styrofoam This is something in excessive use here and I have decided I’m going to join (or start) the battle to get it stopped.     The greatest angst of the move to Phuket – missing out on Halloween!  My word the pressure was on and thankfully, we had a trick or treat session in our villa complex! I present Ned Kelly and Van Helsing.    Good to see my old leather jackets being put to use… and yes, I’m still dragging them around the world. Surviving awesomely in the tropics. Not.     This photo represents 10 straight days of muscle spasming, back aching unpacking! I never want to move again, but I know I will…     Steve loves a corny joke and this is his newest – look, the pizza is going in the oven…. EVERY SINGLE TIME he sees it. Cue eye roll. The boys are with me. Dad is now officially embarassing.      My window seat without a window on SilkAir to Singapore.     Thankfully my friend Andrew Psarianos was able to fix it…. My first Photoshop, thanks darls.     Our daily Spinosaurus…. Just randomly sitting there, for no apparent reason.      A message from the kids at UWC Thailand – wipe out hate, bring in love.       I want to buy locally made, or made in Thailand, whenever possible. So I found this little workshop at the side of the road, and these guys were amazing. No filter here. The whole place was blue.     And then this guy. I was coming home from dropping the boys at school, and saw him in the wires. A true example of #worldsmostdangerousjobs.     I think my favourite video, was this little one. One of the short-cuts on the way to school. We are not in Singapore anymore….   There you go, some moments in time from our first month. Only captured with an iPhone, so nothing spectacular in a photography sense, but part of the story of daily life.   Favourite? Want to join me in taking a photo or video a day?   Yours, without the bollocks Andrea     Thank you for reading my ramblings. My brain and heart are a work in progress, always. I’d love a comment if it stirred any thoughts or feelings and of course, please feel free to share it with anyone you know who might be interested or entertained. I sure do appreciate it when you do. If you want to connect, I’m on Twitter here, Google+ here, Instagram here, YouTube here, and Facebook too. I share loads of stuff, not just my own xxxxx

Well it seems we’re off to a great start in our new home, if you ignore the fact I spent the first week close to tears (well in tears if I’m honest) every single day! First day of school for Lex and Jax It was a combination of complete exhaustion, being surrounded by blackened homes in our new villa (it turned out everyone was on holidays although some houses have remained blackened because they are holiday homes) and probably the strangest thing – our master bedroom is outside the house, which means there’s two locked doors between us and the boys. I don’t know why that separationfrom the boys freaked me out so much, but it did. We can’t hear a single thing going on inside the house at night, and while I’m slowly adjusting to it, I’m definitely happy we have a dog. Nothing happens without Freddy knowing about it, and he has a very loud bark on him! My word he can frighten the shit out of you with that bark.   Another challenge has been constant problems in the house. Many are typical – electrical, wifi, appliance issues, etc…., with the time to getting anything fixed a little longer than this feisty one is generally happy with. So I am trying to learn patience, because I’ve been in Asia long enough to know that being a grumpy bitch gets you nowhere fast, but another new reality is understanding that I need to slow down too. It’s not my usual gear, but moving at light speed doesn’t make any sense in our new life. Honoring the water spirits for Loy Krathong We’ve spent 10 days straight unpacking boxes and putting everything in the right place. I have to say, Steve and Vick were very VERY patient with me as I directed proceedings. I am one of those people who knows what I want and believe a house has got to make sense. I mean, knowing where stuff is, is the first step right? It’s not about control, it’s about no chaos. I can’t stand chaos. However, when you spend 10 days unpacking, hunched over boxes and picking up heavy things, my oh my does your body start to hurt! I’ve only managed two massages so far in the masseuse paradise, but I know this will become a weekly affair. That is the goal. I’ve never been good at prioritizing me though. Neither has Steve ever been good at prioritizing Steve! After unpacking though, it was a priority, or I’d be facing excruciating muscle spasms…. Not fun. We are 100 meters from a beautiful beach Of course, the most important part of the move is the boys feeling happy. School is a massive part of that for them and I’m delighted to report – they LOVE their new school. Phew! I was worried about Jax a lot. He was devastated to leave old friends and quite anxious to start somewhere new. He’s already picked two besties and had an awesome first week. Lex also had an incredible first week and do you know what they noticed? How wonderfully curious he is. Finally, someone appreciates that incredible quality. We are hoping for great things for the Lexster. So there you go. Home is almost sorted (and the guest room close to being ready), a mega trampoline has been accidentally bought, we have sun lounges, the wifi is strong and works most of the time, Freddy is the happiest bloody dog in the world, and well, Steve and I are getting more comfortable with everything. We’re a while off saying it’s the best decision we ever made, but at least now, it feels possible we could say that one day. I’d say that’s progress. Would you? Yours without the bollocks Andrea     Thank you for reading my ramblings. My brain and heart are a work in progress, always. I’d love a comment if it stirred any thoughts or feelings and of course, please feel free to share it with anyone you know who might be interested or entertained. I sure do appreciate it when you do. If you want to connect, I’m on Twitter here, Google+ here, Instagram here, YouTube here, and Facebook too. I share loads of stuff, not just my own xxxxx

A question I have been asked a lot, and here’s the answer. No, no I’m not. Not yet. In fact, I don’t know if I ever will be “excited.” The first time we tried to live in Phuket – 2009 – note the Chicken Pox on Lex’s face   Not only is there too much shit to do to even remotely get my head into the idea of what this move entails, it’s just hard to be excited about something you never intended to do. Besides life is good in Singapore. Happy. Easy. Things are rocking. A smile to melt hearts Not to forget, we’ve attempted a move to Phuket before – years ago, when the boys were as little as you can see in the photos. Tiny bubbas back then. Neither of them did a solid shit the whole time we were there… oh and Jax got electrocuted within the first week too. We knew it wasn’t the right place for us – back then at least. But we have to go to Phuket – for Lex. He needs it. And that is the only reason we are making the decision to go. I think the other challenge we’re struggling with is banking everything on this move for Lex. We are definitely anxious about the results, and even though I know deep in my soul this is what will make all the difference, we have been promised the world before… The difference is, now it’s our call, our decision – not someone else telling us they have the answer, which they ultimately don’t. We have been promised nothing. Just commitment to helping him be all he can be. So yes, we do have a lot of trepidation and that definitely started brewing over the last few weeks. For Steve too. Think bowel watering trepidation and you’ll have an idea of how we’re feeling. Because I actually can’t even see it right now. I can’t imagine life there at all. But there is something I am excited about and it’s the reason I have moved across the oceans several times in my life already. It’s the reason I do anything or make (what others say) are brave decisions. That reason is possibilities… for all of us. Adventurous, curious Lexy Possibilities – the fuel of life. The unknown and exciting. The thing that makes life better and more interesting. The challenging moments that make life the amazing learning journey it is. Yes possibilities. That is my seducer. The possibilities of new friendships and new amazing people in our lives – from all parts of the world. The possibilities of new experiences in the magnificent country of Thailand. The possibilities of new doors being opened, as well as new paths and personal transformations. The possibilities of slowing down a bit and seeing what that will bring. The possibilities of building our life around the boys’ school – something we have never done before and that’s a real curiosity for me. The possibilities for the boys to open their minds and hearts to a lifetime of embracing change, new experiences, and never being fearful to take chances, or make courageous decisions – because that is what life is about right? It’s also the only way to live a bigger life. An exciting life. Yes possibilities. Who knows what is on the horizon? That’s what I’m excited about. Sitting here right now, with the movers on their second day of packing, the boys already landed in Phuket, and tired, red eyes that scream sleep woman, I have some hectic hours ahead before I join them tomorrow. Jax foraging on Kamala Beach   And then this new, unimaginable life starts. One that will mean more plane journeys, but more home-time too, in different ways. Also, the feeling of total belief in our son, as we all embrace this move for our Lexy, because he deserves it. So before you ask me, this is how I feel. I am apprehensive, a little fearful, and basically shitting myself, but we’ll find our way, our community and our joy. We always do, because life is an amazing adventure that I love being on and I hope my three boys do too. Look how cute Jax is!   Not to mention, we’re also looking forward to lots of pals coming to visit. What a great place for that hey? Will you be visiting? Should we set up a public calendar? Yours, without the bollocks Andrea Thank you for reading my ramblings. My brain and heart are a work in progress, always. I’d love a comment if it stirred any thoughts or feelings and of course, please feel free to share it with anyone you know who might be interested or entertained. I sure do appreciate it when you do. If you want to connect, I’m on Twitter here, Google+ here, Instagram here, YouTube here, and Facebook too. I share loads of stuff, not just my own xxxxx

We’re moving countries. Not only that, we’re keeping 25 per cent of our life in Singapore, moving 75 per cent to Phuket, and the boys are getting ready to say goodbye and embark on a new school adventure. For Lex, this is a happy process. He’s been in therapy all year and has no mates to play with. He’s missed friends and definitely wants some girls around him! We can’t wait for him to get started in the Arrowsmith Program. Jax, on the other hand, has had an incredible period of stability at the Aussie School and he will soon be saying goodbye to his bestie. He’s not ready for the move yet, and while I know he’ll adjust and be happy, Steve and I are keeping a close eye on him to ensure he gets whatever attention he needs to adjust in the move.   And then there’s Steve and I. My last blog had the video of us chatting through what’s going on, but since then, we’ve been in the reality of it. There is A LOT to do. So many tiny details. So much shit collected and shoved away in cupboards to be sorted another day. School withdrawals and school applications. The animals. Oh the animals too. They need to be factored in. Thankfully it’s a pretty easy process getting animals into Thailand. Getting them back out, not so much…. But as I’ve said before, Steve and I do this sort of stuff differently. Very differently. And sometimes tempers get short. We back each other in everything, but nothing quite tests the boundaries of a marriage than an international move. It’s a shit and messy process. You miss stuff you promised to do. The other has to pick it up. We’re both jumping on planes to deliver work around the region (and world), something we’ll continue after we arrive in Phuket. Energy levels get low. The physicality of it all has an impact. It’s intense. Tempers get caught in that mix.   As an example, Jax’s homework didn’t get done these last two weeks. Bloody kid’s homework I tell you! Steve was away the whole time and I had evening commitments practically every night. How do we do this life, kids and work shuffle I often ask? It’s madness how much goes on in life under ordinary circumstances and we’ve added a whole new layer of shit to it. Oh yay. So yes, tempers are going to fray. We’ll both have complete and utter meltdowns – hopefully not in public – but we will get there in the end. Slowly, step-by-step, painfully, things missed, picked up, things broken, tears shed. I am visualizing what Phuket will look like after we arrive to get me through and I am very focused on Steve and I sitting by the pool, drinking a bottle of champagne on our first night together in Phuket. It feels a very very long way away right now… I mean we don’t even have a home yet – in either location. So greetings from Phuket, as I go on a second hunt for the perfect family home. You’d presume this was easy, because you know, beach villas and all – but actually, it’s not. The fantasy and the reality are very different – as we discovered the last time we were here. Our home is important to us and it has to be right. We can’t get lost in a monstrosity, because the boys still have night terrors, and unless we want them in with us every night, it’s got to be comfortable for them + convenient to the school + the shops + have a decent guest room + be comfy + have enough furniture but not too much so we can bring some of ours + a garden + a great pool + a fence to keep Freddy in +++++ So now I hunt and ask for positive vibes to come my way, plus patience, lots of patience, for Steve and for me. Anyone else relate? Yours, without the bollocks Andrea Particles of abstract fractal forms courtesy of Shutterstock Thank you for reading my ramblings. My brain and heart are a work in progress, always. I’d love a comment if it stirred any thoughts or feelings and of course, please feel free to share it with anyone you know who might be interested or entertained. I sure do appreciate it when you do. If you want to connect, I’m on Twitter here, Google+ here, Instagram here, YouTube here, and Facebook too. I share loads of stuff, not just my own xxxxx

I’l let the video do the talking. If you stay to the end, I promise a giggle. Yours, without the bollocks Andrea Thank you for reading my ramblings. My brain and heart are a work in progress, always. I’d love a comment if it stirred any thoughts or feelings and of course, please feel free to share it with anyone you know who might be interested or entertained. I sure do appreciate it when you do. If you want to connect, I’m on Twitter here, Google+ here, Instagram here, YouTube here, and Facebook too. I share loads of stuff, not just my own xxxxx

When I started telling people we were going to Sri Lanka for a family holiday, anyone who’d been had a twinkle in their eyes as they told me how much I was going to love it. And they were right. I loved it. I bloody loved it. We all did. Returning from a swim to the Elephant Orphanage I am now a firmly committed, twinkly-eyed Sri Lankan passionista! Steve and the boys are too. How could we not be? It is a magnificent country and I can’t wait to celebrate the next big birthday with my pals on 1st January 2020. Start saving! Buddha’s feet in the Royal Rock Temple Sri Lanka is a country emerging from civil war and it’s now enjoying close to 10 years of peace. I took the impression that today, it’s a place of hope and growing prosperity. I loved being in a place that felt like this when the whole world seems to be going off its rocker. A predominantly Buddhist culture, it’s a very spiritual place. You feel it at the core of society, and it’s a gentle spirituality. This isn’t something I’ve found to be common around the world. In prayer Equally, the environment is central to its culture and a huge part of its attraction. The best part about it though, is how the Sri Lankan people love and honour their environment. This – again – is not always the case. Sri Lanka is a wonderful example of prosperity and environmental sustainability working together, hand in hand. The safaris, forest adventures and ocean activities were all exceptional. And the Singhalese people – magical! Gentle, easy-going, big beautiful smiles, and they loved the boys. Lex and Jax were mostly cool about all of the attention, but the photo-face-monster, Jax, sometimes wasn’t having it. Fair enough. Jax getting some loving We all got travel belly fairly early on in the adventure – Lex first – and he got an IV after a night of vomiting and spraying out the other end. Poor love was a bit surprised by what his body was capable of doing. I had a session of vomiting too – Steve and Jax skipped that fun – but it was the other end activities that provided lessons for the boys. In fact, the greatest lesson of this trip for the boys was: if one feels a pop-off coming on, it’s best to sit on the toilet until one is sure they won’t shit themselves. They also learnt the term arse wasps and fully appreciate what that means. This was a heavy bugger, Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation I had some pretty spectacular vomits – the first off a two story balcony while the boys were swimming in the water five meters away. The second, right at the dinner table, which the boys thought was hilarious. It was after my dinner table vomit that I realized we were witness to a field of fire flies doing their nightly show. That was truly awe inspiring, but it was impossible to get the boys to shut it. Bloody kids. We traveled across the country, embracing its natural wonders and incredible history. From 2,600 year old ancient cities once lost under jungles, to Buddhist temples, seeing bears in the wild, lots and lots of elephants, mongoose, Birds of Paradise, eagles, scaling the sides of mountains (not fun when you have a fear of heights) and so much more. It really was the holiday of a lifetime and we relished every minute of it. We feel very very lucky to have the opportunities we have, I can assure you. Train journey to Nuwaraeliya Something I’m really loving is the boys are turning into great little travelers, and while it’s impossible for them not to be annoying shits too, they really seem to love it. It feeds Lex’s massive curiosity, and Jax started showing passion for photography and archaeology. That made me happy. In preparing for the holiday, Steve and I independently came to the conclusion that the best way to see Sri Lanka is through a tour company. This is something we have never done, but Bluelankawere just awesome. Pattipola Railway Station We didn’t just get a driver – as we expected – we got a tour guide too. Suneil was an amazing driver, and Chanaka won us over when we noticed how caring and beautiful he was with our boys. Top fellas and they gave us an incredible experience. If you’re interested in our itinerary, here you go: Colombo, Galle Face Hotel – a spectacular hotel and I loved Colombo Galle, Coco Bay Resort – beautiful beach side boutique hotel. Very peaceful Yala, Jetwing Yala Hotel – this place is amazing and the safari was spectacular Ella, Ella Jungle Resort – this is when I got sick. It wasn’t fun heading down a winding, dirt track on the edge of a mountain, followed by a mini cable car to the hotel, but it was worth it to see fire flies Nuwaraeliya, Hotel Blackpool – way up in the mountains and unexpectedly freezing. I loved it Kandy, Amaya Hills – Kandy is beautiful and this hotel is stunning Sigriya, Aliya Resort and Spa – probably one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed in – spectacular Passikudah, Anantaya Resort and Spa – where we chilled for four days. On the beach, peaceful, beautiful Nilaveli, Nilaveli Beach Hotel – our least favorite hotel, mainly because the others were just so spectacular, but the fishing village in Trincomalee is definitely worth a visit Anuradapura, Forrest Rock Garden – spectacular hotel in the jungle, beautifully built with the architecture inspired by the ancient city of Anuradapura. The limestone pool was stunning Colombo and home Women’s work – tea plantation in the Central Province The hotels were all spectacular, and if you’re in the events business in Asia and want to impress your customers, go and check out Galle Face Hotel in Colombo. An amazing hotel and place to stay.

You know one of the best things about living in Singapore? It’s world-class airport – Changi Airport. It’s a beautiful, modern airport, with amazing facilities, but the best thing is check in. From the point of drop off to wandering around Changi before departure, it’s about a 20-minute experience. When landing back in Singapore, from the wheels hitting the tarmac to being in a taxi on the way home, it’s 30 minutes. Changi has won best airport of the year for multiple years and it deserves it. It’s amazing. It makes travelling a pleasure and it should be the gold standard for airports all over the world. I compare this to the experience I had in Mumbai last night.   Flying out of its brand spanking new terminal for the A380, I have never seen such a bigger shit storm at an airport – and let me assure you, I’ve seen some airport shit storms! First it was ticketing – I did the online check-in (well Steve did it for me) so that went smoothly. Good. Next up was x-ray screening, and for the first time I can remember, men and women were separated into two sections. I found this strange, but I can deal with it when I wander this world. It matters in some cultures. The men’s section went through rapidly, the women, on the other hand, was a complete and utter shambles. Multiple lines formed, no one knew what the hell was going on, and many got in shorter lines, only to realize you needed to join the longer lines to check your bag in for x-ray. No one directed proceedings, people were pushing in all over the place, and once you got your stuff onto the x-ray belt, you had to wait until your bags went onto the rollers, because no one in security was managing this section and bags just stayed there. Seriously, two more people working this section would’ve made all the difference. The security guys sat on their arses the whole time, completely ambivalent towards the chaos unfolding, the scanning was painfully slow, and after you got your bag sorted, you had to join another line to line up for body screening! One by one we were called into a private, curtained-off area to be scanned by an unsmiling security woman. Out the other end, the bags weren’t being pushed through, which was causing more delays, so everyone was forced to wait for their bags to come through, tripping over each other to get to theirs, whereas if everyone stood back, the situation would have been more manageable. More than that, if the staff were pushing the bags through – which would have sped up the entire process start to finish – the whole shambles would’ve been averted. And if you think the men got lucky, no they didn’t – well they didn’t if they were travelling with women. There were streams of men just hanging around, waiting for their wives, daughters, etc… It was shit for everyone.   But the fun wasn’t over yet. Next up you entered passport control and my word, the lines! It took 40 minutes to get through just this bit, and thank god for bloody Facebook or I would’ve ripped someone’s face off – especially everyone standing close to me, constantly bashing into me and breathing down my neck. I appreciate that personal space varies greatly by country, but in that moment, you are not a happy camper when distance between humans is something you value. I finally get to my smiling, charming, immigration man – yeah, not. He stuffs around, spends far too long pretending to look at my documents, before he chops my passport and I’m free. But I’ve got to tell you, just this bit of proceedings… The lines are horrendous so speed it up people and let us through faster! Why not? It was just all completely unnecessary and the worst bit, we’re all completely powerless to do anything about it!!! If any country believes that making its residents and visitors feel powerless is a good thing, well they’ve got some serious reflection to do. I arrived at the airport well in time for my flight, and here I was with 10 minutes before the absolute last call. What can you do in 10 minutes? Run to the gate, that’s what you do. I was not happy. But I also kept thinking about the shop owners in the airport. The average spend at an airport is $150/passenger. None of us had time to buy anything, and I was ready to shop and spend my remaining rupee. I also really wanted to buy the boys something to take home. In the end, Kris Shop got my money on board the flight and the boys have Ferrari watches, which seem to be a hit. I would’ve preferred something more unique. Now I appreciate the need for security, especially in a city like Mumbai, where security is definitely higher compared to most cities. But this is just complete bullshit and totally unnecessary. We have the technology to track who everyone is. When you travel today, you hand over your official documents and they take photos and scan your finger prints. There is access to real information about who is and who is not a threat today, so while protocols must be followed and cautioned exercised, we also need to use the technology available to make it a better experience for passengers. We have examples of it already successfully in play, so let’s learn and roll it out everywhere – please! I believe it is well beyond time that airports sorted their shit out, made the experience of travelling through airports at least pleasant, because no matter which way you look at it, this leaves an impression of a country. And yesterday, my impression of Mumbai, a city I adore, was diminished by the experience. Do I really want to subject myself to that again? Travel