Mumbai or Bombay? Either is fine.
Women strolling in their brightly colored garb
Fresh roasted peanuts anyone?My colleagues and i hired a car for the day to get out and see the city. Normally i would be opposed to such luxury, citing the backpacker ethos of cheapest, slowest, and most uncomfortable. However, we are staying a good 45 minutes drive from the downtown area and our time is limited, so hiring a car made sense. It actually worked out great as we were able to see a lot of great things over the course of several hours.
Where can i get a hat like that?!
Profile of the Gateway of India
One of the major sights in Mumbai is the Gateway of India. This fine structure was built to commemorate the King of England's visit in 1911 during colonial rule, hence the Victorian influence. It is only fitting that when the British were ousted in 1948 that they left from this same point. Today, the only boats that depart from here are ferries that take tourists across the harbor to visit the historic Elephanta Island.
Is it me, or do these parents think their kid is going to bolt any second?Mumbai is a city of fascinating contrasts. Forty percent of the country's GDP is generated in Mumbai, yet poverty remains a major issue. Crumbling structures lie right next to brand new buildings. Billboards advertise mutual fund investments while children beg for pennies on the street. When you think of Hollywood, celebrities, sunshine, and beaches may come to mind. Believe it or not, Mumbai (aka "Bollywood") boasts the largest film industry in the world, but the ocean is not fit for swimming.
This family lives under a tarp on the side of the road
The most amusing part of the day came when we visited the Gateway to India. Several touts swarmed around us the moment we stepped out of the car, hounding us constantly by attempting to hand us things and then request payment.
After tying us in knots, these girls demanded paymentTwo young girls managed to tie bracelets on the wrists of my three female colleagues and then begged for payment. The trick was that they tied the bracelets on with a knot that my companions could not get untied(!), despite their best efforts. As we walked away, the girls followed, protesting that they were being taken advantage of until we finally escaped.
The stamp of British rule remains visible today
Some of the city's most beautiful buildings were built during the colonial eraLabels: Gateway of India, India, Mumbai
Wow! John you sure do get around! I wish the Federal government would send me to India! Have a great time. Thanks for the updates! :-) Erica
Posted by
Anonymous |
November 27, 2006 at 9:12:00 AM PST
The trick with the beggars is to immediately begin punching and kicking anyone who approaches you. No matter how they are dressed or where you are, lash out repeatedly with fists and feet. Shouting about the plague also helps. ~ Tristan
Posted by
Tristan Weir |
November 27, 2006 at 9:14:00 AM PST
i think you're hot.
blog rocks, too.
Posted by
Anonymous |
November 28, 2006 at 2:51:00 PM PST
This blog is great, jon. I'll be checking in often. Keep the pics coming. Let me know how Tristan's method works out...
Posted by
Unknown |
November 29, 2006 at 11:03:00 AM PST
Jonny 5 Hey what's up? Tiny Elvis here. Just moved back to the east coast. Anyway it looks like you are having agood time in India. I can't wait to read more. Drop me a line when you get back to the states. My # is the same as it was in San diego!!!
-Cheers
Posted by
Anonymous |
November 29, 2006 at 2:56:00 PM PST
Hello Jonny! The Bollywood videos are pretty cool.
With respect to the cricket games, were you just hanging around on the side somewhere? Were there other observers? Why weren’t you overwhelmed with beggars in the park or at the Gateway like I was?
Well, looks like you’re having a good time. Continue to enjoy!
Lyn
Posted by
Anonymous |
December 3, 2006 at 3:30:00 PM PST