I needed to get to Elphinstone Road. One needs to travel from Malad station to Dadar and then switch to a different railway line, to get to Elphinstone Road. Me didn't realize that I could have bought a single ticket from source to destination. So I had to queue up twice. People here respect time and queues. But they're impatient when it comes to boarding and alighting from trains. I reached Elphinstone Road somehow in one piece.

The Tata Memorial Centre has a massive blood bank. They offer an AIDS Diagnostic Test to all voluntary blood donors. The clause is that my report would be stated to me only - and that too verbally. I would have to come in person the next day. No printouts are offered. And all data is strictly confidential, and hence not given over the phone, even if I called. An AIDS Diagnostic test with so many clauses does not make sense to me. I guess the stigma associated with AIDS in India requires such painful considerations to protect the identity of an unfortunate carrier.

I got the test done and donated the blood too. It didn't hurt one bit. In fact, this time I didn't even feel the needle prick. Was mightily impressed with the Nurse's ability.

On my way back, I tried Jumbo King's Vada Pav. This is Mumbai's most famous dish. And 'Jumbo King' has made the distribution of Vada Pavs to Mumbaikars a sophisiticated, hygienic hands-free process. The Vada Pavs are machine made and are served piping hot in paper packaging just like the famous fast-food joints. There's no ketchup, instead one gets to enjoy delicious tamarind chutney. The long queues probably mean good business..

Later that evening, Bene and I headed to Manori. I had not anticipated that we'd be travelling such a long distance for a night of uninterrupted fun. We had directions to take the bus to Marwe from Malad station. Got to Marwe at a modest 2330hrs. From there, we boarded a ferry that took us across the creek to blissful Manori. The ride lasted a short 15mins and the ferry was packed with young couples and other party animals like us. Except that everybody had their bikes.

A long auto ride brought us to the Palm Beach Resort. Was greeted by the other AIESEC Trainees - Renato from Brazil, Gonzalo from Uruguay, Alexandru from Romania, Marco from Ecuador, Xavier from France... Within minutes we realized we had a lot in common - a passion for good beer, and rock music.

The Palm Beach resort consists of independent cottages, overlooking the sea. They even have a swimming pool. Its all nice and quiet. They give you the beds and serve you good dinner. You get your own beer and guitar. And play all night. Which is precisely what happened.

So I had got to enjoy an unplugged rendition of the best tracks of GNR, John Denver, Cranberries, Ugly Kid Joe, Metallica, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi.. you name it.

I also got a first-hand experience of Mumbai culture. There was this Group of music lovers in the neighbouring cottage. They too, were obsessed with their music. And their rum. We shook hands. Had our introductions. And even played and sang together. This went on till next morning. Slowly, one by one, each person started retiring to the cots. Until just me and this guitarist Dude was left. It was probably 5AM. And then he too stopped. Said 'Ok. Good night'. And that was the end. I didn't expect such an abrupt end. But I'm getting used to it now. In Mumbai, you can have a good time together and still remain strangers..