We start our exploration of Mumbai at the Gateway of India, built to honour the first royal visit to India. I can feel my republican tendancies come out at the thought of such a massive undertaking to comemorate a royal visit. Still, the foundation stone was laid for a great museum during that same royal visit.
After taking in the Gateway we went looking for a late breakfast. We ended up at Loepold's. A bar and restaraunt popular with tourists and ex-pats for many years. It features in one of the books Kate and I are reading so we wanted to see the real thing. Our exciting first meal in India: Scrambled eggs on toast and a diet coke. I guess we have to ease ourselves into these things ;).
We wander down the street past the many stalls, often pressed by store owners to look at this or look at that. There are no shortages of offers of Rickshaws or to polish our shoes or any other of a 1001 services and products.
The architecture is amazing. Much of it built during the British Era including the world heritage listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus where we head to book our first train journey to Jodhpur
With our escape out of Mumbai sorted we head over to Chowpatty beach to watch the sunset with thousands of locals. Kate and I sip chai and enjoy a great head and shoulder massage.
We try some local food at the beach market. Hmmm good Panpuri... Life is good.
Photos not with me now so will add later.
2 comments:
Hi John!
I've read that book....the name of which escapes me...it's a fantastic book, I'd love to know what that place looks like.... Another good book on India is 'A Fine Balance". Hope you guys have a great trip.
Michael B. in Brissie
Hi Michael. Shantaram is the book in question. By the way, India is a whole new ball game beyond Bangkok and Lao! I reckon you would enjoy it.
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