Walking around Mumbai - Dec 18

Our first full day in Mumbai... and we set out to walk, walk and walk. After a quick brunch with other guests at the Trident, we put our walking shoes on, grabbed our camera and our guidebooks and headed out to conquer Mumbai. First stop was the Kala Ghoda district, where beautiful architecture can be found. Among some of the buildings were Bombay University (including the imposing Clock Tower), the Mumbai High Court. Many cricketers gather in the field to play pick up games - all clad in white!

Cricketers with the Clock Tower in the background

Ian at the High Court

Peak to the garden from the High Court lobby - unfriendly guards

A peek into Bombay University from the gate... sadly no visitors allowed

The Clock Tower hiding behind some foliage.

We then walked around the park, chatted with some German tourists along the way, and saw this amazing sugar cane drink stand. They press the sugar cane between two heavy rollers to extract the juice. Apparently it's fantastic to help settle your tummy, and most importantly it's a healthier substitute for cola drinks (diabetes is a big problem here). Next we snapped a picture of some bowling action in cricket. We proceeded on to a street market, where clothes were being sold at amazing prices! 3 dollar jeans. 20 cent t-shirts.  The market continued from the street into an underground crosswalk at the massive intersection. Everything was being sold there from computer jump drives to samosas!

Bowling... with Mumbai skyline in the hazy background

Sugar cane stand

We then continued our journey toward the Victoria Terminus (UNESCO World Heritage site), passing by the Flora Fountain and many other British-built colonial buildings. 

The Flora Fountain - a focal point in Mumbai

Ian at the Flora Fountain gardens

Ian and the Bombay Municipal Corporation 

We finally made it to the Victoria Terminus, which was built in 1887, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The building is absolutely stunning, and the platforms are incredibly busy!

Victoria Terminus

Busy Sunday afternoon at VT

We were quite exhausted at this point, and the dizzying colors, smells and sounds were getting to us. We decided to jump in a cab (50 rupees - less than 1 dollar - to anywhere it seems), and head for a late afternoon lunch at the Taj Palace hotel. The Taj hotel was the focal point of the 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai but has been completely rebuilt.  What an unbelievable building! We had a simple lunch that cost much more than 50 rupees, but it was quite a welcome rest for the hot streets.

Leisurely lunching at the Taj, with a great view of the Gateway of India

After the small rest, we headed back out again (insanity), and we walked around the Gateway of India first. This was built to welcome George V, but apparently when he arrived only the cardboard version was up. As the  Indian Navy was preparing for a review by the president, many of India's warships and submarines are stationed at the bay, and adorned with holiday lights (easy to spot from space!)

The Gateway from the 21st floor restaurant at the Taj Palace

Feli at the Gateway

Ian at the Gateway with the Taj in the background

We then proceeded to the Prince of Wales museum, which is the most important museum in the city and hosts artifacts from all eras of Indian history. (More information available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_of_Wales_Museum) Some of the highlights included Hindu sculpture, 2500 year old coins, miniature paintings, and an odd Natural History section, where we found Terry's ancestors.

The museum from the outside

Several items from the museum

Who knew Terry's grandfather was Indian

Finally, after a very long day it was time to head back to the hotel and prepare for the Sangeet (the second wedding night.) On our way back spotted these chicks on wheels, fully clad in Saris... apparently they were not very happy I was taking their picture.

Motor-sari

Future posts will include the Sangeet, a slum tour in Mumbai and the Mehendi. We're having any amazing time.  Thanks for following ;)