spring has sprung

 

Mumbai - Tale of two Cities

In March 2007, I traveled to Mumbai, India. One thing that struck me right away was the density of people and the level of poverty in the streets there. I saw hundreds of people actually sleeping on the sidewalks between the airport and hotel - no shelter, nothing. At the same time, India is enjoying an economic boom. You get a sense there is not much ground between the haves and have-nots.

Mumbai is a huge city with a metro population of 20-25 million people.

This image is from google earth, which is must have. Free download on google.com. 

My hotel

The place mark over the shadow of the building is the Oberoi Hotel where I stayed while in Mumbai. Very nice place - stark contrast to some of the poverty that I witnessed between the airport and there. 

From My Window

A shot taken from my hotel window. 

Need A Ride

Cabs are the main mode of getting around Mumbai. If you want the ride of your life - or maybe take your life in your hands - hope in. As far as I could tell, there are no rules of the road in Mumbai. They don't really believe in brakes. They use their horns and gas pedal instead. 

I Am Off to the Show

A quick cab ride took me to the show. 

Welcome to the Show

The cultural show got underway with this guy playing some sort of string instrument with bells on it. It made an amazing sort of music. He along with the other performers I was told are famous in India for their talent. 

Lovely Ladies

Dancing in the night. We had two dance groups doing their traditional dances. I believe the one the other girls are bowing to represents Shiva 

Heck of a show

These guys were awesome, playing some kind of bongos. I don't think "bongo" is the correct Indian name for the instruments, but you get the idea. 

Enjoying the cool of the day

Young couple enjoying the bay as the heat eases. Still pretty darn hot though. 

Goodbye India

The sun goes down on Mumbai. This is the edge of Queen's Necklace - about two blocks from my hotel.