29 January 2008 - Balmy, Barmy Bombay
September 7, 2008
Staying in Mumbai was the perfect end to this holiday. I’m glad I took the opportunity to see it rather than going back to Delhi.
I arrived in Mumbai Tuesday evening and soon needed to take my coat off realising I was going to be in for some fine Sunny weather (around 28 degrees). Sarad had arranged that I could stay with some of his old university housemates before he would join us a few days later. On arriving, the guys there were immediately welcoming and friendly. We stayed up a bit before they gave me a bed and said not to be alarmed if I wake up next to another Indian in the morning. The deal is that 5 guys are sharing the place that only has 3 bedrooms so they sleep together. They also have a young serving boy named Bumbum. He’s about 9 and cooks/cleans for them. I had fun communicating with him in a charades type way as he doesn’t speak English.
My first morning in Mumbai one of the guys (Kushagre) took me out on his bike, for the one and a half hour ride to get to the centre. What an exhilarating ride! Whizzing through traffic at close to 50 miles per hour with the wind and warm sun on my skin. Kushagre was serving as a good guide, pointing out things on the way and stopping off with me for Chai and later some food from a street vendor when we got to town.
I was left at the south tip of Mumbai at the Gateway to India. This day was to be spent on Elephanta Island (a short boat ride away from the gateway) which I think should have instead been called Monkey island on account of how many there were there. The main attraction of the island is the ruins and cave temples from around 500AD but I also found the short walk up to the highest points well worthwhile.
Mumbai is more developed than Delhi and I had the feeling people were friendlier, although this could have easily been induced simply by my being more adjusted to India. During my whole time in Mumbai I most enjoyed the Museums explaining India’s history, Marine Drive, IIT (where Sarad studied) and to have stayed in such good company.
