Mishae's Journals

Mishae's Home...Indian Love Affair……Bombay Nightmares…

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...Indian Love Affair…

…Bombay Nightmares… |

Departure Date: Thursday March 23, 2006
Destination: Mumbai, India
Arrival: Friday March 24, 2006
Itinerary: Find hotel, sightsee

The direct flight from London to Mumbai was pleasant. I watched the documentary, Rize and to my surprise the food was tasty. Upon arrival 9.5 hours later, my mission was to find accommodation for the night and then immediately venture out into the city.

Straight away, my senses were bombarded. The first step onto Indian land literally took my breath away. I had to pause for a moment to ground myself. Taking deep breaths, I shot a quick wink to God and thanked him for my safe journey. I was ready for my adventure now.

The hotel reservations at the airport booked me a night at the Sea Club Hotel. It was close to the beach and the airport, perfect I thought. But, my fantasies of a tranquil environment near the Sea were clouded instantaneously by the chaos of Bombay life. Not to mention my room was basically an encapsulated box with 2 holes, one the window, the other- a toilet? I humbled myself. For I’ve stepped beyond my comfort zones of the Western World and I needed to embrace, adapt to the culture in order to fully appreciate the wonders of India.

I hired a taxi for the day which cost me 900 Rupees, just under £20. The drivers name was Babu, and he gave me a whirl-wind tour of Bombay. I could see the British influence throughout the city. The replica of Marble Arch- Gateway of India was astounding. Along the shores of the Arabian Sea, it was a port for fisherman, and tour boats. This is where the ferry to Elephanta Island departed, but I arrived too late. Next time, I thought. We continued through the manic streets, dodging cars, people, rickshaws, and cows along the way. I ate some authentic Indian food on Chowpatty Beach and cruised down Marine Drive. I cultured myself at the History Museum and at Ghandi’s residence. Somewhere along the way, I saw the Big Ben or their version of it.

It was a full-on afternoon and I was exhausted. Back at the hotel, I attempted to have a good nights sleep but there was nothing I could do to put myself at ease. As a woman travelling alone, I had to be extra cautious. After all, I was on foreign land where women weren’t as liberated. The room didn’t have a lock from the inside so I moved the dresser in front of the door. Not that it could stop anyone from barging in if they really wanted to. But in my mind, I figured at least I could buy myself time and jump out the window if need be. Needless to say, my imagination was working overtime. I tossed and turned, anxiously awaiting sunrise.

Locations Visited: Mumbai


Comment
so how do you use that toilet??
Posted by: Esther Hong on 09 Apr 2006

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