Pune was the perfect end to our trip, after waiting six hours in Bangalore airport and getting our plane to Pune I learned that the 500 bills and the 1000 bills are no longer legal tender. I couldn't believe this could happen within hours and no prewarning. Although this doesn't seem like a huge deal it was. No ATM's were working and wouldn't work for the remainder of our trip. A lot of places only accept cash so it was incredibly difficult to function. I was so blessed that I was staying with my friend as I had such limited cash on me, and no way to access more.
Pune was a fantastic city
There were plenty of green areas and the streets were full of hustle and bustle. Myself and Alessia wandered around and explored our neighborhood. I was taking it easy and not doing too much. We enjoyed some of our last fresh coconuts and browsing in the shops. My friends family were incredibly kind and generous, they welcomed myself and Alessia with open arms.
They made literally the best food I've eaten in India and were so hospitable. We went to visit a fort above the city where we could look out over Pune. We ate the best street food ive ever had, and took in the last of the Indian atmosphere. We explored the jewelry shops and I brought Alessia to a Mall where she could do what she loves, running around exploring while I bought my final purchase an amazing leather bag.
Having no cash was bringing all sorts of problems But it also was showing me how much Human decency there was in the world. As I wandered the streets looking for an ATM so we could get breakfast an elderly man took it upon himself to help us. After we tried three ATMS, he took me for breakfast And told the people to feed me and I would give money Back when I had it.
When we were at the shopping Mall for some reason uber wouldn't accept my visa card, so we had no cash I literally didn't know what to do it made me realise how vulnerable you are when travelling alone and in future i would alwasy travel with Euro as well. Walking home was not an option. Luckily again, I saw such human decency and my friends mum offered to give me cash on arrival of my cab.
I thoroughly enjoyed chatting to the family and learning more about Indian culture. Alessia was enjoying the freedom of running around their home. On our final day I called to yet another Indian bank to see if there was any way to access cash, I was astonished at how I was treated. Although they couldn't help me a bank man gave me 200 rupees so I could get a taxi to an international bank. Of course on arrival, I actually couldn't take money out but I couldn't believe how generous and thoughtful he had been.
I was sad and happy to be going home. I was happy we had escaped India without getting Delhi belly, and that neither of us had gotten too sick. I felt content and proud we had accomplished all we had come to do. I contemplated staying in Goa for another few weeks, but I felt Alessia would be happy to return home, to have other children her toys, her family and Joe jingles. I was sad the adventure was over, it was an amazing two months of bliss. It was everything I hoped for and more and I felt India was most definitely going to be part of my future. As we enjoyed our last day, I wouldn't allow the thought that we had four planes and 24 hours of travel ahead take away from this precious time with my daughter. All we could do was keep enjoying the journey And cherish every last minute of our trip. While looking forward to our next adventure.
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