The city of Mumbai is a peninsula that was formed when the British connected multiple islands into one landmass and it thus provides little options when it comes to driving into the southern region. As with any other part of India, the poverty was inescapable and it's difficult to describe to others who haven't seen it. We originally thought of joining a slum tour to see how the challenges are met and people survive but decided against. http://realitytoursandtravel.com/slumtours.html
On the flip side, Mumbai is also the wealthiest city in the Subcontinent and one India industrialist is building a $2 billion dollar home which consists of a 27 story building for his family of six and staff of 600.
Once in South Mumbai, we met our friend Pawan at the city's grandest hotel, the historic Taj Palace which was built in 1903. It's set on the east side of the waterfront and adjacent to The Gateway to India. After an enjoyable lunch in one of the Taj's restaurants and masala tea afterwards, we set off for a quick drive around the colonial buildings of South Mumbai. There isn't an enormous amount to see but that part of town is entirely functional and spared us the inconveniences we endured elsewhere in India.
Before we headed to Pawan's house, we stopped by Dhobi Ghat which is a massive place to wash laundry. It's impressive at the size of football field and unfortunately since it was raining, we didn't see much laundry drying as that is the most beautiful part.
Our evening kicked off with drinks at Pawan's friends house on the waterfront of the harbor. It had a very beautiful view and we felt very fortunate for his gracious friend to invite us for a visit of drinks and good conversation.
Returning at 3am to our hotel, it certainly means the following day will be spent relaxing while we wait for our flight at 2am to Johannesburg.
3 comments:
Ryan, I love your synopsis of Mumbai. The laundy is gigantic. I am glad that you had Italian food as Indian foods are usually vegetarian. Li Li & I are in Washington DC for the ASCO Breast Cancer Symposium. Enjoy
Shauna looks elegant in the pink sari!
I like the pink sari too
Jeanette
Post a Comment