Blogs from Maharashtra, India, Asia - page 144

Neverending tour On & off. Where do we go? Need to learn Hindi! I decided the best way to see some of Mumbai was to sign myself up for a City tour. The first tout that approached me must have thought I had sucker written on my forehead because he quoted me 1150Rs for a three hour private tour by car and then gave me a "special" deal of 850Rs for being his first sucker (I mean customer) of the day. Then I told him I'm not spending more than 400Rs and said that I'd go the cheaper bus option. Even over there they tried to charge me 200Rs but I told him I was quoted 150Rs previously...betcha the going rate is 100Rs?? Oh well. Since I had about 1/2 hour before the bus took off, ... read more

I have a free day Off to do some exploring Pool in the PM. Nice to be able to sleep in a bit. Not so nice waking up all hot and sticky though. I decided to venture into town and check out the Aga Khan Palace (home to the National Ghandi Museum). The Museum wasn't very impressive but it was nice to read a bit of history and some of what Gandhi did in his life. Once again I am so not knowing when it comes to these things! Then I wandered into town and roamed the shops of Mahatma Gandhi Road (also shortened to MG Road). Escaped with only purchasing one bag :) and was on the internet for a bit. Nice and speedy service and I'm now a member with iway. Whatever that means. ... read more

Made it to Mumbai Lots of people and cars BUT Less hectic feel here. Took an overnight train from New Delhi last night. Man was that a luxurious train ride or what. I was prepared and had all of these snacks (chips, biscuits, masala munch to name a few) but they weren't at all necessary since we had tea time and about 6 or 7 snacks arrived with my masala chai! Then came dinner which was two courses and soup...veggies, pasta and potato things, soup with breads, daal, potatoes & spinach, rice, chappati and poppodam. Plus yoghurt and dessert to top it all off! Man was I stuffed after that. The sleeper car was pretty big as well...very spacious and the bathrooms were even clean the entire journey! I had three other "cabin mates" 1) Someone ... read more

My first impressions of mumbai (bombay) was driving in a dodgy taxi with a top speed of 11km/h through what I thought were backstreet alleyways but were infact the main roads of this confounded city. It was 2am and not a creature was on the street except for the occassional stray dog. Garbage was strewn on every corner, the air stunk of rotten sewerage, and I found myself asking what I was doing here. My first adventure involved catching the train down to Bombay downtown. I decided to be thrify and travel second class on the train. Terrible mistake. In india, the local trains travel with their doors open so that they can cram as many people in (leaving the doors open allows people to precariously dangle out the sides of the train). People have NO ... read more

Hello everyone! We're marching ever onwards - had a fantastic time in Pune, and have been in Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (100miles south of Pume) for the last few days. We've been cycling, dancing, singing, stargazing, and generally having a wonderful time. The fruit here is amazing beyond belief - every yard has another bod selling strawberries and other juicy things - all for a few rupees a kilo! I'll be performing at the Baha'i New Year celebrations tomorrow evening in the Amphitheatre on the side of the hill above a massive and beautiful lake in this high, cool hill station. I'm working on a rap to perform, but I may be singing one of my old songs or something by my friends. Anyhow - Lowri is resting well in our room - we're both very excited ... read more