Quite tired today, slept in. Went for a long walk in the shade of the banyan trees. Discovered a western style supermarket. Prices are high. Couldn't believe that avocados aren't grown here. I have spent the day, packing and organizing for the early start tomorrow for Kolkata. I am back to colonial days with my lovely dark tea, milk, and good old tea strainer!!
Said goodbye to the hotel staff, who have been very friendly. I think they are good people, humble, helpful, and very very hard working. They work very long hours, and have very long commutes too. I try to look for the goodness in everyone, and I think I found it here. When I arrived, I had a lot of fear about being ripped off, robbed etc, and concerns over water quality. I have experienced none of that. Being aware, and careful is important. I feel way more compassion for those that don't have a home. So so many live on the sidewalks here. This is their home.
This is the end of the Mumbai part of the big Indian tour. It has deeply introduced me to urban India. Mumbai IS urban India, the commercial hub. Now, the rural part is about to happen. Eye care is important, as it's dusty here. Of course smells are everywhere. I'm used to smells, even pungent ones, as I have African third world experience. It doesn't bother me too much, but it this experience is not for the delicate sensibilities. However, it is life, and real. Beggars are everywhere. Uday says some of them make a fortune out of it, but most, do not. Some sights are pretty shocking...bodies lying in the sun completely passed out for whatever reason. Nobody pays attention, but it does affect you. I saw two huge rats while I was here....way bigger than the little mice that were in the Grade 1 class at a certain school I know!! It actually rained quite hard last night....the only rain since I have been here. Now.....time to move on. And feel gratitude for this life experience, and how fortunate we all are living in the West. Thank you for sharing my Mumbai holiday!!
Above...the soft broom to sweep floors...no vacuums here
Sandeep with the broom
Took Uday to this more upscale Indian restaurant to thank him for his help.
Buttermilk and herbs, a lime and cumin drink, with floaters (?)
Steamed rice cubes, chapati, plus a range of veggie dishes, curried, onions in the back, and pickles below...garlic etc
No wonder I put on weight with vegetarian food. The server, below dishes up for you...this is the Indian way. Uday helped me with the correct weight for luggage. I had to leave a huge amount of stuff behind as domestic flights ding you for overweight. But am learning a few tricks to take more.
Said goodbye to the hotel staff, who have been very friendly. I think they are good people, humble, helpful, and very very hard working. They work very long hours, and have very long commutes too. I try to look for the goodness in everyone, and I think I found it here. When I arrived, I had a lot of fear about being ripped off, robbed etc, and concerns over water quality. I have experienced none of that. Being aware, and careful is important. I feel way more compassion for those that don't have a home. So so many live on the sidewalks here. This is their home.
This is the end of the Mumbai part of the big Indian tour. It has deeply introduced me to urban India. Mumbai IS urban India, the commercial hub. Now, the rural part is about to happen. Eye care is important, as it's dusty here. Of course smells are everywhere. I'm used to smells, even pungent ones, as I have African third world experience. It doesn't bother me too much, but it this experience is not for the delicate sensibilities. However, it is life, and real. Beggars are everywhere. Uday says some of them make a fortune out of it, but most, do not. Some sights are pretty shocking...bodies lying in the sun completely passed out for whatever reason. Nobody pays attention, but it does affect you. I saw two huge rats while I was here....way bigger than the little mice that were in the Grade 1 class at a certain school I know!! It actually rained quite hard last night....the only rain since I have been here. Now.....time to move on. And feel gratitude for this life experience, and how fortunate we all are living in the West. Thank you for sharing my Mumbai holiday!!
Thanks for sharing your journey in Mumbai. I look forward to the next leg of "Dave's Excellent Adventure"!
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