BU meets Slum Dog Millionaire

From Jim Foley…

We flew safely to Mumbai yesterday. The Trident Hotel is the best yet. Although it was not the hotel we originally booked, tourism is quite down, and our logistics company was able to secure this very nice hotel at no additional charge. The students are being spoiled.

One highlight of the day was our successful “running with the Dabbalawas,” which was more walking than running. It gave us a first-hand view of the world-known lunch delivery service made famous by a visit from Prince Charles. It also meant travel on the local trains, which was pretty remarkable.

But the real highlight was when we picked up our lunch at a home. We were told that the actor who played young Jamal in Slum Dog Millionaire lived there. Indeed, a “Congrats on Oscar Winning Picture” billboard was outside the apartment complex. Then the security guard told our group the young man would enjoy a visit, so our guide made his way to the apartment and talked with his mom. She explained he was taking a nap but, of course, he could come outside. Virtually all our group had seen the movie, and we were captivated by this young child’s warmth and smile. Still in his pajama’s, he accepted having his photo taken with us. It was great fun.

The students have the rest of today off, and we have a final business visit tomorrow at a cookie/candy factory. Our flight home leaves around 10 p.m. Saturday. We’ll leave the hotel at 6 p.m. due to traffic and the need for a three-hour check in.