Mumbai Memories

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With a population of well over 17 000 000 people, Mumbai is a city that moves. Arriving early Sunday morning proved to be a brilliant move on our part as we were actually able to cross the street. We were most impressed (shocked really) with the relative organization and ease of traffic flow. Mumbai was going to be a piece of cake.

Fast forward to Monday morning...things are looking slightly different. No, downtown Mumbai is not exempt from the bold and brash bovines making a break for it on the busy, bustling Bombay roads (Yes, we know it's now called Mumbai but for the sake of alliteration....). Nor are they free of oxcarts, Hercules single-speed bicycles, burning rubbish heaps or the mini-Ambassador taxi cabs.

Mumbai is also by all accounts a city of contrasts: extremes of wealth and poverty abound, the latest and most modern conveniences share the same sidewalk space with artisans and craftsmen plying their ancient trades, while typical Indian fare can be gobbled up along with your favourite McMaharaja or your paneer tikka sub. Mumbai exemplified the many challenges, changes and charms of today's India and as always, was full of surprises around every busy street corner.

But enough with the travelers taking their travel blogs too seriously.

"Where do mothers like to go shopping? Mum-buy.

"What is the preferred transport for Bollywood stars? Mumbaicycles.

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Photos

Joyeux Noel
What can't you buy for a few rupees on a Mumbai street?

Mmmmm......
One McMaharaja to go please.

Moving Masses
CST (aka Victoria Station) is the heart and soul of Mumbai and is a maverick at moving the millions of masses every day.

Why did the cow cross the road?
It wanted to mooooove.

Mass Transit Mania
An example of the mini-Ambassadors and the colonial architecture seen throughout Mumbai's downtown core.

Bhelpuri
Mumbai's favourite street snack.

Utensil-free lunch.
Sylvie never passing up the opportunity to try something new.