I have to admit I was a little apprehensive of coming to Mumbai after the attacks. I was in NY and London during their respective terrorist attacks. I'd like to think that I have come a ways forward since I was so negatively affected in 2001 and 2005. Retrospectively, I probably should have been more worried about going to Goa, as that would be a prime target for western tourists. Now that I'm here I think this is my favorite Indian city. Granted I have not been to most of the Indian cities, but I like this so much, I don't think any will surpass it. I enjoyed Kolkata, it challenged me to be there, in a good way, and I came to appreciate the city, but I'm pretty sure I couldn't live there. Mumbai on the other hand, I think I could live here. Leave it to me to like the most expensive Indian city, where you end up paying half a million dollars for a flat! There is just the right mix here of cosmopolitan Globalia and traditional Indian.
We are staying in Colaba, a trendy shopping area in the southern part of Mumbai. We are only a few blocks away from the Taj Palace, which of course we had to go in when we saw it. It is a huge imposing building on the waterfront opposite the gateway of India. I loved that the tourists (all Indian) on the first night we saw it were taking two photos. First, one with everyone in front of the Gateway of India, then another with everyone in front of the Taj. (Then sometimes a third, with us.)
Although the internet cafe I'm in is cool, why travel if I'm going to sit on the computer? so I will just mention a few things I'd like to share.
The Dhaba-Wallahs, go look them up. They are amazing. They deliver lunches all over Mumbai and despite making 5000 deliveries a day, their system is so well designed, they make one mistake in 6 million.
The dhobi ghats - a laundry place. I can't describe the place, you've gotta look them up, hopefully there will be a picture.
Tomorrow we are taking a tour through Asia's largest slum. I know that sounds a little strange, but you do it with a guide company that puts 80% of its profits back into the community. And I should also mention that even though it is a "slum", because of its lack of infastructure, it has a turnover of $700 million due to the small scale enterprises run within the slum. We can't take pictures inside, which I think is fair enough, so I'll try to explain more once we see it.
We have seen more and eaten fantastic food, but I think that's it for now.
All the best,
Katie
why travel if I'm going to sit on the computer?
ReplyDeletei don't think you should feel bad about time spent writing in an internet cafe. historically travelers have been writers -- sending home letters, poems, essays, and even books to those of us at home, telling us the wonders you are seeing and the thoughts that travel engenders.
(obviously not arguing for internet surfing rather than seeing what's to be seen, just that there are lots of different things to do with the computer and some of them seem valid even when in far-off lands)
also, to some extent the cafes (and the computerized lists and bulletin boards) are crossroads where travelers leave tips and "breadcrumbs" for each other.
thank you for posting.
so glad you like Mumbai, and curious about how it compares to Delhi. also eager to hear about the "slum tour" - what a strange notion. Masha was in Rio for 2 weeks over the holidays and says the high-rises simply stop and the favelas - hillside slums - begin. but i don't think any tourists venture in.
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