I was trying to find sme pictures that show the true contrast in Mumbai - the old vs the new but couldn't find anything that really summed it up. This is probably the best I can get. The slums are literally everywhere, you don't have to go looking for them, they're at the side of the street, they're outside the hotel, they even encircle the airport...
So, today is Saturday and I have a couple of free days...problem is I've nothing to do...
Mumbai is not really the sort of place where you can just go and have a wander around. It's too busy, the sights are spread out and its raining anyway. Therefore, its going to be a day of blogging, watching TV and a couple of movies perhaps, coupled with an hour or two in the gym.
Yesterday we were out at a couple of customers. What never ceases to amaze me is just how long it takes to get anywhere here. A couple of miles can literally take you a few hours - the traffic is just intense, there is no way I would ever drive here. What made it worse yesterday was the ending of the festival of Ganesh. A great sight but it makes Mumbai travel all the more difficult!
I still find it hard to accept the contrast here, you can have a brand new building on one side of the street and a fully-fledged slum on the other. To a Western mind its hard to stomach...
Last night I ate at the Italian at the hotel, Stella restaurant. Was excellent food, albeit a little pricy, particularly the wine. You cannot get a glass of red for below 700 INR (around £9). They had a great wine list as well...
A few more pics of the hotel.
Half of the buffet in Citrus restaurant, the choice is amazing...
The outdoor pool...
The (very) well equipped gym...
The hotel lobby...
The Jamavar restaurant...
...blogged from my iPhone
Location:Mathuradas Vasanji Rd,,India
So, I arrived in Mumbai early this morning, around 01:00, however my luggage unfortunately did not. To be fair it was pretty much expected...a 15 minute dash for me to make the connection meant there was pretty much zero chance of my suitcase making it...
I'm currently just flying over Athens en route to Mumbai. An interesting journey so far, I got a Lufthansa flight from Heathrow to Frankfurt which should have given me an hour and fifteen minutes layover before the connection to Mumbai. Unfortunately the flight was over an hour delayed leaving Heathrow which mean I arrived in frankfurt with less than fifteen minutes to spare. An absolute mad dash through the airport and I made it on ti the flight with 2 minutes to spare... Quite a dash I must say...
Anyway all ok so far. A little disappointed with the 747 we're in. I can't remember the last time I went long-haul with overhead screens? Still, plenty of reading and viewing material to indulge plus a glass of red I'm my hand...and relax....
Out in Richmond today. Tube strike not affected me so far. Quite enjoy taking the tube for a change.
...blogged from my iPhone
Location:N Rd,Richmond,United Kingdom
