off JJ flyover

In town (as we suburbites call it) near the JJ flyover all of the old buildings look like this with the wooden shutters, so colourful and full of life. I think I would love to have one of those flats for a while - just sitting looking at the window checking out life flying by on the road, peeking down to see the chaotic activity in the muslim markets -- but only for a while!

Indian santa

I love this time of year in India, only because the santa hats come out on the sides of the roads! Its just so different from how I grew up thinking about Christmas that I love it!

another day at the races

I wonder if he wears this same jersey when he rides outside of India? If so, I am sure there are a bunch of confused people - unless they are familiar with India and that this sign means good luck.

electric fair

Don't you think it's a little odd that they would set up a fairground right in the middle of all of these electrical towers?

a private hospital

Here's a peak into a local private hospital that I frequent often (not for myself but for work!). An interesting thing about the hospitals here -- you have to purchase all of your own medication, food, bedding, wash your own clothes and have a family member stay with you at the hospital if you are a child. The meds cart rolls around at specified times, but he just tells you which medication to take from your own supply!

rickshaw graffiti

It was strange to see all of this written on the back of a rickshaw driver's seat. Not sure if it was supposed to say "I love you India" or if they meant "indian". I won't even venture to guess what the other drawings are....

it's taxi week!

I guess i've been spending too much time in taxi's lately! But did you know that love is sweet poison? I would venture to guess this guy has had his heart broken a few times!

hand holding the meter

Its funny what taxi's do to 'pimp' up their ride -- this taxi had this metal hand holding up his meter!

Bandra reflection

This is a reflection onto the seat of a taxi from the back window. I thought it was pretty cool looking how it came out. The words that aren't completed -New Bombay, Panvel, Bandra --- weird that he had Bandra with the other two as they are far!


(Sorry I have been absent... Not sick or anything - just insanely busy, limited internet and getting ready to go out of town for the holidays. I will try to back post as many photos as I can, but unfortunately no one will be posting while I'm away - so you'll have to just check in again around the 5th of Jan. Thanks for keeping up with me and checking in!)

Race season

Today we got special passes to the Johnnie Walker Race Day at Mahalaxhmi Race Course. They had a special section set up with Guiness and Baileys, but for me the main attraction was of course the races! This was finish of race number 5 which "Shyboy" won. I lost :(

Mehendi

My sat night was filled with mehendi done by some young girls living in a shelter. I was supposed to be in Kolkata for a wedding where I would have gotten mehendi-ed up, but since I couldn't attend, I did the next best thing!

true window shopping

No matter where you are in Mumbai, your car, the train, etc you can always shop! These are one of the many things on offer when you are driving down the road. I've yet to see anyone buy one, but someone must as they are always out on the weekends!

a little moment of quiet

It's often difficult for workers to find a moment for themselves where they can be alone and just rest - so they tend to go up on the roofs of buildings to get some quiet time. This young guy was on the roof opposite mine for a good hour - hope no one was looking for him below!

Mondy's

I was lured to town for an art opening and then afterwards we headed to Mondegars which is full of tourists but also locals i'm told. It was strange to see so many foreigners in one place that I didn't know!

girl and her doll

behind the car's whizzing by you can just make out a small girl dragging her stuffed bear. It was the most adorable thing I've seen. Too bad it was dark and she was across the traffic! As we sat in traffic we watched her march up and down the small bit of sidewalk, dragging her bear (who was almost the size of her).

Mumbai Times Cafe

An interesting new cafe in Bandra that is open all day, serves alcohol and has hukkas! I'm not sure how successful it will be, but the younger college crowd seems to have already taken to it and it is nicely done up with good views over Bandra.

gauri

Just a sunday afternoon waiting for the bus!

working boy

Another underage kid doing an honest day's work!