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Published: December 27th 2007
Life is strange - we had hoped to see an old friend in Calcutta but hadn't been able to make contact. Having had a wonderful Christmas in Calcutta we were queuing for the flight to Mumbai - and lo and behold up pops that old friend who was on the same flight to Mumbai as we were!!! Not only did we have chance to talk but we then met up later that evening to have dinner with him and his family who were very hospitable.
Mumbai is a true world city - we hadn't realised how much history is here in the form of buildings but also how quickly it is being developed. There are loads of skyscrapers being built and a complete infrastructure being upgraded- for instance a new road from the airport to South Mumbai which is being built over the sea!! Walking through the financial centre you could be in London - and the roads are good as well. We have been really suprised and impressed.
The weather here is boiling hot - in the mid 30's so we have been spending the mornings sitting by the pool and having a swim in the warm water. It is so warm we have had to buy some very light cotton shirts as it is too hot for t-shirts (I'll stop now otherwise you won't read any further!)
Last night we went to the Taj Hotel to meet up with Deb (our old friend) and to meet his sister Indrani and the rest of his family. We then went to the rooftop restaurant and bar at the top of the Intercontinental Hotel which has a fantastic view over the bay and you can see the city scape and all the buildings lights twinkling - (called the Queens necklace). We then went to a great place to eat called Ali Babas Clay Oven. Deb's landady Mrs Malik runs this along with her other enterprises and she welcomed us and sat with us. We had a long discussion about what we were to have and she called the chef out to tell him and us what we were going to have - needless to say it was delicious and if you are ever in Mumbai go there.
Today was a sightseeing day, so after a fabulous breakfast and a quick swim, we set off with our guide and driver to Malabar Hill and the homes of the Bollywood stars.
After gawping at theapartments and the Arabian Sea we drove to the leafy suburban street where Mahatma Ghandi's Bombay home stands. Now a museum dedicated to his life, it was very thought provoking.
Walked on Chowpatty beach and it was rather like the sand at South Shields although the sun was much hotter!!!
We dipped into the Taj Hotel near Gateway to India to change and freshen up beforegoing to Royal Bombay Yacht Club to have drinks with Indrani and Ashok Malkani.
The drive back to our hotel was a nightmare as it was a Muslim festival and every district was celebrating and moving through the traffic with floats and parades.....it took over 2 hours.
All in all a great day meeting old friends and making new ones in a wonderful city.
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sue
non-member comment
It just all sounds so good, and what a long way from Newcastle. Can you not think about hopping onto a Air India or Air Arabia flight and coming to Sharjah for a few days...?! Have a wonderful New Year, and all the best for 2008. Much love Sue