Wow I thought Delhi was bad Mumbai is even worse!
The slums as seen in Slum Dog Millionaire are everywhere. Look at the photos and how close they are to the runway. At least 15 flights arrive every hour, it's unimaginable living that close.
The hotel I am staying is in Juhu Beach costing 150/ night equivalent to $100 in other cities I have been to. The cost is high because land is scarce and the large population. The only saving grace is the pool and it is near the beach, nice to hear sound of the surf.
Went out for drinking water and it's scary out there. Called Swati, my friend who is meeting me tonight. She has a work party she invited me to. Should be interesting. My first thoughts how to get there but she offered to come to my hotel and we would go together. Sounds good!
My right shoulder is not doing that well, pain making swimming difficult but I can float. Sun out. The weather forecast was rain for my entire time so I am greatly appreciating the sun. Oh no, I didn't bring sun screen.
Talked to a foreigner here on business, he hates India. I don't hate it but find it challenging to keep positive. being in a nice hotel or my apartment removes me from the reminder of the poverty so prevalent. It would be interesting to talk to the people who have made their homes on the sidewalks. A home might be a blue rain tarp supported by pieces of wood. A family can be two, three or even four all living, cooking and surviving in this tiny area. How do they buy food? What do they think? Do they think about having a better life, a better home, food, toilet.... For the first time saw a kid shitting on the street. How does that feel? The problem is so large that I can't imagine how to fix it.
Lounging looking at the ocean, a swim in the pool - life is good.
Went for a walk on the beach-low tide. More people came out in the afternoon to play in the water, picnic on the beach, walk, cricket or just relaxing. In Crazy Mumbai this is a nice place to get away from the craziness, poverty, noise, smell and vehicles.
I am now relaxed as I spent the afternoon outside. Actually got a tiny red from lounging in the sun. That's a good thing!
Had a salad to hold me over until dinner. It was wonderful, the crispy greens were organic topped with perfectly crispy bacon (very unusual for India) and garlic croutons. They served pesto, sundried tomatoes and a lime cilantro sauce to go with the bread. Oh that was good! Italian food Yum especially when I haven't had it in a long time. A good afternoon ending with a nice sunset.
The slums as seen in Slum Dog Millionaire are everywhere. Look at the photos and how close they are to the runway. At least 15 flights arrive every hour, it's unimaginable living that close.The hotel I am staying is in Juhu Beach costing 150/ night equivalent to $100 in other cities I have been to. The cost is high because land is scarce and the large population. The only saving grace is the pool and it is near the beach, nice to hear sound of the surf.
Went out for drinking water and it's scary out there. Called Swati, my friend who is meeting me tonight. She has a work party she invited me to. Should be interesting. My first thoughts how to get there but she offered to come to my hotel and we would go together. Sounds good! My right shoulder is not doing that well, pain making swimming difficult but I can float. Sun out. The weather forecast was rain for my entire time so I am greatly appreciating the sun. Oh no, I didn't bring sun screen.
Talked to a foreigner here on business, he hates India. I don't hate it but find it challenging to keep positive. being in a nice hotel or my apartment removes me from the reminder of the poverty so prevalent. It would be interesting to talk to the people who have made their homes on the sidewalks. A home might be a blue rain tarp supported by pieces of wood. A family can be two, three or even four all living, cooking and surviving in this tiny area. How do they buy food? What do they think? Do they think about having a better life, a better home, food, toilet.... For the first time saw a kid shitting on the street. How does that feel? The problem is so large that I can't imagine how to fix it.
Lounging looking at the ocean, a swim in the pool - life is good.
 |
| Nice beach |
 |
| Looking at downtown Mumbai |
 |
| They asked to have their picture with me |
 |
| I have been in the Arabian sea! |
Went for a walk on the beach-low tide. More people came out in the afternoon to play in the water, picnic on the beach, walk, cricket or just relaxing. In Crazy Mumbai this is a nice place to get away from the craziness, poverty, noise, smell and vehicles.
I am now relaxed as I spent the afternoon outside. Actually got a tiny red from lounging in the sun. That's a good thing! Had a salad to hold me over until dinner. It was wonderful, the crispy greens were organic topped with perfectly crispy bacon (very unusual for India) and garlic croutons. They served pesto, sundried tomatoes and a lime cilantro sauce to go with the bread. Oh that was good! Italian food Yum especially when I haven't had it in a long time. A good afternoon ending with a nice sunset.
Interesting that they wanted a picture with you. I know that happens often, but is it your white skin or the fact that they can see so much of it? Would they ask the same of a white man?
ReplyDeleteNice sunset shot. The foreground is cool too.
The poverty is so sad.