Jay's!

My favorite roadside stall in Bandra - Jay's sandwich. I used to work near here and would eat one almost everyday - now I have to plan ahead to make it there. Occasionally the BMC will shut him down for a few days, but then he's back stronger then ever. Best grilled veg sandwich in Mumbai!

waiting for something

This guy was sitting outside of Sion hospital - just relaxing or waiting for something. I just thought it was nice since his clothes were the same colours as the sign behind him!

orthodox jain

I've been trying for a long time to get a photo of the Jain's on their way to/from temple. This one isn't the best, but the best i've managed of them so far! I'm so intrigued by the orthodox (is that what you'd call them?) Jains. They do not wear shoes, have their mouth covered and often carry a broom to clean the road in front of them. They do not believe in killing even the smallest of animals and keep their mouth covered so they don't accidentally inhale any small bugs, clean before they step so they don't smash an insect, etc.

sun rise

Getting up early for yoga has a few benefits - seeing the sun rise over Mumbai. Not always so pleasant though as there is often lots of smoke in the air, but this morning was pretty clear.

Sunday Brunch

Foreigners and locals alike look forward to Sundays for many reasons but mainly it is the only day most have off and lots of places have excellent brunch options. Todays brunch was at Olive with oysters, falafel, cheeses, meats, pastas and of course the breakfast options of eggs and waffles!

Happy Republic Day

Today is Republic Day and is a dry day (no alcohol sales)! All through the neighborhood are little parades like this one, lots of singing, fireworks and talking over loud speakers!

bus ad

The buses that ply through the city continues to be one of the best methods for advertising. This was an ad for a film that is either already out or coming out soon. Just loved the classic look of it.

Wadia Juice Wala

Near Wadia Hospital in Parel is this juice wala who was jam packed with customers from the moment we arrived. he seemed quite interested in us and when we pulled out the camera, he jumped up to pose!

chawl

A typical chawl neighborhood where many 'slum' dwellers were relocated to - and are again going to be relocated as the goverment moves to reclaim high priced land.

the world is a playground

Construction is everywhere this time of year since it's dry. Apparently the construction sites make fun play areas for the kids - probably not so safe, but this little one doesn't seem to mind!

Mumbai marathon

Stacie was out today to do the Dream Run and saw John Abraham! We always love the star sightings and especially when they are this cute :) Congrats to all people who went out and participated in the marathon - someday I'll do it!

Cricket Club of India

Weekends are good for the 'club' culture of Mumbai - not the nightlife, but the country clubs. I had never been to one in my life before coming to India, but apparently for locals it is quite the prestigious thing to be part of a club. The CCI is probably one of the oldest and most exclusive in Mumbai. It has lots of rules.. such as children can only be behind this little partition area and children are not allowed to walk through the main entrance. We forgot and walked through with a baby (who was quiet and holding hands with his mother) to leave and got yelled at by another member! But regardless, if you follow the rules its a nice place to relax and have afternoon tea!

Blind official

Sorry about the pole in the middle - but I just love the Amul ad's and had to put it up! This is referring to the drama associated with the Indian cricket team -- i think there was a bad call (or a few of them) and thus this sign calling the official blind! (But please do correct me if i'm wrong - I don't follow cricket at all!)

concentration

On a site visit I ran into this little one concentrating hard on 'driving' the rickshaw! It's a scene I see often, small children pretending to drive the autos - so cute. This auto isn't a taxi, but i'd venture to guess is used for transporting kids to/from school as the all black ones usually are.

peek-a-boo

I'm back by demand :) I hope you all had a lovely new years. After a good break, its nice to be back to Mumbai and hopefully I'm refreshed enough to carry on with MDP!

My first day back we were driving to town and found one way to keep the child beggars at bay - bombard them with cameras and they hide and laugh instead of beg!