The British may be gone, but the past, when Britannia dominated, still lingers in the architecture, culture and government. Truly remarkable, this city of 23 million, manages to dominate despite her poverty. How they keep it together is beyond me, but the economic engine roars, fueled by the impoverished and disadvantaged.
Certainly the major sites such as the Gateway of India, Taj Hotel, Victoria Station and Prince of Wales Museum are in deep contrast to the Dhobi Ghats (outdoor laundry) and Mahatma Gandhi residence where two diametrically opposed cultures survived until independence from British rule in 1947. Clearly evident, poverty and homelessness is abundant, though we did not go searching out the slums, beggars or impoverished. You don't have to go far, as they are ever present and not trying to evade their unfortunate circumstances. Sure there are tourists but not in the numbers one would presume. The best part is that in certain areas such as the Bangana, which is a water tank filled with water believed to be from the Ganges, where thousands of Hindus will flock to bathe and offer flowers on holy occasions, we are the only westerners to be found.
The waterfront silhouette of Mumbai along Marine Drive appears like the Emerald City through the haze created by the excessive heat and perhaps the 100,000 tuk tuks and even more motor bikes and taxis cruising the streets. The colour and fashion of the sarees is remarkable but I am hesitant to ask for pictures for fear of being turned down, which has already occurred on one occasion. To do justice in describing this remarkable city would be an injustice to her history and patrons. The only way to appreciate the full value is to experience first hand which we have been most fortunate to do. Namaste.
Certainly the major sites such as the Gateway of India, Taj Hotel, Victoria Station and Prince of Wales Museum are in deep contrast to the Dhobi Ghats (outdoor laundry) and Mahatma Gandhi residence where two diametrically opposed cultures survived until independence from British rule in 1947. Clearly evident, poverty and homelessness is abundant, though we did not go searching out the slums, beggars or impoverished. You don't have to go far, as they are ever present and not trying to evade their unfortunate circumstances. Sure there are tourists but not in the numbers one would presume. The best part is that in certain areas such as the Bangana, which is a water tank filled with water believed to be from the Ganges, where thousands of Hindus will flock to bathe and offer flowers on holy occasions, we are the only westerners to be found.
The waterfront silhouette of Mumbai along Marine Drive appears like the Emerald City through the haze created by the excessive heat and perhaps the 100,000 tuk tuks and even more motor bikes and taxis cruising the streets. The colour and fashion of the sarees is remarkable but I am hesitant to ask for pictures for fear of being turned down, which has already occurred on one occasion. To do justice in describing this remarkable city would be an injustice to her history and patrons. The only way to appreciate the full value is to experience first hand which we have been most fortunate to do. Namaste.
Who is updating blog? Ian or Jennifer? English is impeccable.
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I'll be sure to take that as a compliment Dez. Perhaps I'll throw in an F Bomb to clearly identify myself :)
ReplyDeletePicts great Too !
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