Having never been to India before I leave Australia a day
early to give myself 24hours to have a look around Mumbai and get my bearings
before I head to Kutch.
I arrive Friday night about midnight and the first thing that hits me when I get off the flight is the
humidity – it feels like 30 degrees! Even at midnight the traffic
is pretty full on and there is a constant beeping of car horns.
Saturday morning I got up early and hired a driver for the day;
this is actually cheaper than doing a day tour so I highly recommend it. Brazil, (my driver & tour guide for the
day) laughs as the 4 pages of suggested sites, shops and activities I have
collected from the internet, friends and the hotel visitor guide – but promises
to see what he can do!
The traffic is incredible – seriously non-stop and with
absolutely no regard for any form of traffic rules! Walking right in the middle of the cars and
buses are people pushing carts, walking with huge bags or drums on their heads and
even the odd cow or two!
Everyone I have met has been really lovely and helpful – with equal
parts curiosity and cautiousness. I have
never been asked to have my photo taken with so many different people (and for
those that know me know I much prefer to be on the other side of the camera). Those that speak English are quick to come and
find out my name and why I am here, giving me lots of local tips about places
to go and things to see, and those that don’t speak English nod and smile. Obviously there are a number of beggars and I
find it heart-breaking when the mums with their babies or young children knock
on the car window and ask for money – but Brazil sternly tells me I need to
“harden up”.
What I love the most is the colour – the ladies look so
amazing in their colourful saris & traditional clothes – & all of them covered
in so much bling! What I don’t love is
the rubbish; let’s face it – India is never going to win any recycling awards!
Clearly it was a whistle stop tour given I only had only had one day
to look around but I am impressed by how much Brazil managed to get me to see … I will try and
share a few fast facts & tips about the places I went to (most of which I have
shamelessly plagiarised straight from the hotel’s tourist guide &
internet!)
- Dhobi Ghat (Washerman’s Place): over 200 families operate an enormous open-air laundry – dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought here and hand washed by dhobis (washermen) which is a profession handed down from generation to generation. They earn 100 rupees per day each (about $2)
- Mani Bhavan Museum, home of Gandi: which is the house that was the focal point of Mahatma Gandhi’s political activities from 1917 – 1934
- Taj Mahal Palace; gorgeous hotel, I recommend going for breakfast and having a dhosa (savory crepe)
- Gateway of India: Just out the front of the Taj Mahal Palace is Mumbai’s most famous monument, it was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in December 1911. Note: this was the place I was most photographed and asked for money …
- Victoria Terminus: Train station that transports thousands of people each day – and the final scene in Slumdog Millionaire
- Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach; there is a great view from the InterContinental’s Dome Bar on the roof ... and the drinks aren't bad either!
- Malabar Hill & the Hanging Gardens
- Haji Ali Dargah: Both a mosque and a tomb built in 1431 by Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shan Bukhari – it can only be accessed at low tide and appears to float above the water.
Those that know me know I couldn’t resist going into a shop
or two … here were just a few of the ones I stuck my head into; FabIndia, Good
Earth, Curio Cottage, Ensemble, Bombay Store & Bombay Electric.
Yep – it was a big day!
I am now ready to for the real ‘adventure’ to begin as I make my way to Kutch tomorrow.
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