Mumbai Daily Photo

Eid Mubarak

2008-10-02T17:17:00.000+05:30

Happy Eid! Today is the final day (i think!) which means time for more gorging of meats on the streets, especially down at Mohamad Ali Road!

Ramazan Meats

2008-10-01T17:19:00.000+05:30

A visit to any of the night food stalls set up for breaking the daily fast of Ramazan will give you views of foods you have never seen raw! Here is brain, liver and kidney. Yuck (for me a veg eater!)

Ramazan - Sweets!

2008-09-30T17:22:00.000+05:30

Since I am veg, my favorite part of Ramazan are the sweets. We sampled all sorts.. but not this one as it sort of appears to have meat chunks in it!

big pots of meat!

2008-09-29T17:33:00.000+05:30

This is seriously a big pot of meat! I think the bowl closest was raw.. but perhaps it was cooked and just really slimy! For meat lovers this is a great time of year.. for those of us veg eaters.. not so yummy!

Shopping season begins!

2008-09-28T17:37:00.000+05:30

The season of holidays are upon India with Ramazan going on now and Navratri coming up next with Diwali finishing the season out. It means lots of days off for the locals, lots of eating and of course lots of shopping! This is the season that many families wait for to specifically purchase new clothes, household goods, etc. And there are sales galore!

sleeping in the tree

2008-07-29T19:36:00.000+05:30

Isn't it supposed to be 'k-i-s-s-i-n-g' in the tree? People in Mumbai can seriously sleep anywhere! This guy was sound asleep on Juhu Tara Road, which is quite busy not to mention the fact that he is standing in a tree!

tiffins!

2008-07-28T19:39:00.000+05:30

Bombay is known for the tiffin carriers or dhabba walas. Unfortunately since the bombings this past weekend, the dhabba wala service has been affected. Apparently some of the bombs were carried in containers such as these, so all the tiffin deliveries have been delayed due to increased security at the train stations.

wadala imax

2008-07-25T19:59:00.000+05:30

The new ad at the Wadala IMAX. I am not sure what it is actually for, so I'm going to pretend it's for Teach India - a new campaign to get people volunteering with children in BMC schools, providing additional tuition for underprivledged kids.

monsoon fashion

2008-07-09T17:08:00.000+05:30

Its hard to be fashionable in monsoon.. this is the preferred wear for people making deliveries or even those riding motorcycles. I'm not sure that this thin sheet of plastic really keeps the wet out, but its worth a try!

Rock On!!

2008-07-08T09:15:00.000+05:30

Monday night we attended the cd release party for Farhan Aktar's new film "Rock On!!". It was hyped to be cool mostly because Farhan actually sings in the movie and planned to sing at the release party. It was pretty weird though attending a rock show in a mall! But it was packed and people really seemed to enjoy it.

get a good look

2008-07-07T15:10:00.000+05:30

I hope this fella didn't hurt his neck craning to look at me! I just was playing with the camera and since he didn't stop looking I thought i'd take a snap - so here you go.. this is how it is to be me on the streets of Mumbai, being constantly stared at no matter what I am doing!

billboards galore

2008-07-06T15:02:00.000+05:30

With the increase in income has come the insane increase of billboards and adverts. You seriously cannot get away from them no matter where you turn. In the 'olden' days the adverts were much smaller as the one on the tree is, but now entire blocks are covered with long on-going ads such as the seagrams behind. And today in the paper they said that in South Mumbai all lamp posts will now have two ads hanging on them as well! Ad overload!!!

drainage?

2008-07-05T13:07:00.000+05:30

Is this what I think it is? Is the BMC actually taking steps to reduce flooding by sucking out the gunk found in all of our drains? And on a Sat no less.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T17:11:00.000+05:30

I've searched all day today out and about for any photo that might give the thought of America's 4th of July and shock - here in India I could find none! So instead I give you a cute kid with a cute kitten. Happy 4th from India

monsoon skies

2008-07-03T12:23:00.000+05:30

Monsoon season began right on time in June, but then left us as quick as it came. It is slowly making a comeback the last few days with on/off showers. But seriously where is the real monsoon? Will it be light this year? Either way.. this is what our skies pretty much look like all day everyday!

delitalia

2008-07-02T12:18:00.000+05:30

We have finally gotten a new Italian restuarant that rivals the old favorite in Juhu. This one has an all new original menu which was sorely needed. The decor is 'ok', not as cosy as everyone seems to feel, but the food is excellent. Lets hope they keep up the standards!

no honking?

2008-07-01T12:14:00.000+05:30

I just saw this sign on the side of a truck - but I know it is actually from April when apparently the city tried to have a "no honking' day. I wasn't in town, so I don't know how successful it was. But at least they are aware of the noise problem and someone is tryingto make a difference. But will this mean that the trucks will have to change their backsides to read "No Horn Ok Please" instead of horn ok please?!

(Sorry for the insanely long absence.. will try to make a comeback for the next month or so before my next out of country trip!)

Happy Holi!

2008-03-22T16:46:00.000+05:30

We got out a bit later this year than we did last, so we only got to play for a bit! But this boy, one of whom we played with last year, was all joy again! Happy Holi from Mumbai Daily Photo!

healing ring?

2008-03-18T22:20:00.000+05:30

I see a lot of people wearing rings like this, but with different stones. I was told once that they are given by spiritual advisors to help a person cope with certain aspects in their life. Is this right?! What would this ring/color signify?

Fusion dance

2008-03-14T13:36:00.000+05:30

Tonight we went to see our friend Veve dance at the NCPA in town. She is a trained belly dancer (middle) and teaches here. However, she also takes classical Indian dance and this show was a fusion between belly dancing and Kathak dance. Beautiful show!

Altered Economist!

2008-03-13T12:02:00.000+05:30

Today I had some time to go through last week's Economist and noticed that the map of India referenced in one article had this blue stamp over it. It is obviously not printed by the Economist, which means that the Indian Govt went through each and every one of these before they were mailed.. Crazy. No wonder it was several days late and the package was already opened! (Of course those things dont surprise me as the mail isn't to efficient here!)

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

2008-03-12T23:20:00.003+05:30

After 3 years in India, my first spiritual gathering. we gathered in sion this evening, the music was beautiful!

Leap Day

2008-02-29T21:30:00.000+05:30

It was my 8th real birthday today! Woo Hoo.

I am going to stop posting for a while - I am travelling too much and not out and about in Mumbai as much as I used to be, so for now, MDP is on a break. Sorry for all my faithful readers out there. I will come back soon I am sure, but my travel schedule has me out of Mumbai on/off until mid May. If and when I manage to take photos, I will put them up!

shoe holder

2008-02-22T13:43:00.000+05:30

In Mumbai you see random shoes all over the place - left on the side of the road, at the train station, and apparently also in walls! This was a wall looking out to a courtyard and someone put just this one shoe in the wall!

(I'm out of town for the next 5 days. Will resume posting on my return)

school boy crush

2008-02-21T19:12:00.000+05:30

I was visiting a boarding school the other day and of course they all wanted their photos taken! This one was the cutest... just seemed to always know how to pose for the camera without really posing!

another sunset...

2008-02-20T19:04:00.000+05:30

As long as I am here, I never tire of the sunsets! It seems that we get the best sunsets around this time of year. Weather is getting back to normal - hot and a bit humid during the day with cool nights!

black panther cops?

2008-02-19T19:09:00.000+05:30

Ever since the 'protests' in my neighborhood about the noise and traffic, there has been more of a police presence around. I'm not quite sure they do much though other than stand around and chat to one another!!

juhu skyline

2008-02-18T19:06:00.000+05:30

A common landmark on juhu beach. It's fun to look out below there at night at see all the 'nightlife' begin... foot massage anyone?!

u, me and us

2008-02-17T21:31:00.000+05:30

We went to a CD release party the other night for Ajay Devgan's new film - U Me aur Hum. He is the one is all white here -- and directed and stars in the film with his wife Kajol.

pride of india

2008-02-16T21:27:00.000+05:30

Latin America is known for it's decorated trucks - but India is a pretty good rival! They are all personalized with tons of little things with lots of meaning.

dvd delivery

2008-02-15T21:23:00.000+05:30

One thing that makes living in India so wonderful is the abundance of delivery! McDonalds, subway, the corner shop, fruit walla, veggies, meats, and DVDs! Of course I'd prefer Netflix, but its pretty nice being able to call down the street to get a delivery and then a pickup the next day!

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T10:39:00.000+05:30

Rageshwari... again

2008-02-13T12:31:00.000+05:30

I was at a belly dancing show and the special guest Rageshwari showed up! Its great to see her so involved and out and about. She also has a great sense of humor which kept us laughing!

sign of the times

2008-02-12T11:19:00.000+05:30

At "not just jazz by the bay" in town, there is always a socio-political sign up. This week's is about Big B (Amitabh Bachchan) and the controversy started by Raj Thakeray and the Shiv Sena. Apparently Raj doesn't like what Big B does for his home state of UP and thinks he needs to do more for Maharashtra... I'm not a fan of Raj or the Shiv Sena - so i'm siding with this sign!

Gulf ad

2008-02-11T14:33:00.000+05:30

Anyone who follows this site knows I love old hand painted ads! This one must be quite old - I've never seen a Gulf (gas station or anything else) here! I remember growing up in the US with Gulf gas stations -- but they've even been gone there for a long long time!

do we?

2008-02-10T14:21:00.000+05:30

My neighborhood association has been holding protests for the last few weekends to try to curb the noise, traffic and mess that the local commercial establishments' patrons make on the weekends. This was one of the signs that was being held up. But i'm not sure that we need the police -- they were there sat night and didn't do much besides stand there and chat to one another!

need for fire

2008-02-09T14:29:00.000+05:30

Mumbai has been breaking records the past few days with record cold temperatures. Mumbai was actually colder than Delhi at 8.5 degrees on Friday night! All throughout the city people are lighting fires on the roads to keep warm at night. I have been loving it - although it is weird to wear sweaters in Mumbai!

Wanted!

2008-02-08T14:26:00.000+05:30

This is the first time I've seen a Wanted poster in India! It was located at a toll booth on one of the hiways leading out of Mumbai. Anyone want to tell me what they are wanted for?!

Happy Chinese New Year

2008-02-07T17:11:00.000+05:30

It's that time of year again -- a visit to the one and only Chinese temple in Mumbai! Happy Chinese New Year. Have some chinese food today in celebration!

strong woman!

2008-02-06T17:18:00.000+05:30

The women in India are so stong..I don't know how they carry all these things on their heads. This woman was walking along the freeway with many more trailing behind her!

New Candies!

2008-02-05T20:08:00.000+05:30

Candies is a popular eatery in Bandra. There were only two locations until recently when this one one opened near Pali Market. Man.. is it great! It is huge, has tons of outdoor spots, mosaic pictures on the walls (like here) and just has a great vibe! This is my new hangout.

(oh and its Super Tuesday - go vote if you are in the US and in a Super Tuesday State!)

too cool

2008-02-04T20:11:00.000+05:30

I saw this guy and was just snapping away not really thinking about what I was shooting.. then his friend wanted his photo taken too! why do they want their photo when they will never see it?!?

Reclamation Fair

2008-02-03T20:26:00.000+05:30

Every few months there is a craft and/or handloom fair at Reclamation grounds in Bandra. Today this guy was there getting lots of attention. I'm not sure if he was part of one of the craft stalls or just on his own looking for tips! But colourful nevertheless!

bird feeder

2008-02-02T18:27:00.000+05:30

At Chowpatty beach there is this area sectioned off that appears to be for the pigeons... is this true?! There are always tons of birds there coming and going!

warning signs

2008-02-01T11:15:00.000+05:30

These new 'warning' signs have been put up all over Mumbai. Its funny to read them because I don't think anyone pays the slightest bit of attention to them. This one saying how many drunk drivers were jailed has been up for quite a while without changing numbers. i think it might be more useful if it actually changed and stated how many were actually arrested each week or something. They also sometimes say things to the effect of don't honk, no rash driving, etc. Anyone who has been to Mumbai knows the sign boards aren't having much impact!

Jay's!

2008-01-31T11:10:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-30T11:06:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-29T11:03:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-28T10:57:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-27T22:05:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-26T22:00:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-25T22:10:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-24T22:07:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-23T17:40:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-21T21:40:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-20T22:23:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-19T13:35:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-18T07:55:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-17T07:15:00.000+05:30

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

2008-01-16T15:20:00.000+05:30

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!

off JJ flyover

2007-12-18T23:00:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-17T22:43:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-16T22:51:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-15T22:28:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-14T22:02:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-13T21:57:00.000+05:30

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!

2007-12-12T21:51:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-11T21:49:00.000+05:30

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

Bandra reflection

2007-12-10T20:18:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-09T22:34:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-08T09:41:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-07T09:37:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-06T10:25:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-05T16:35:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-04T17:31:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-03T19:21:00.000+05:30

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

2007-12-02T19:17:00.000+05:30

Just a sunday afternoon waiting for the bus!

working boy

2007-12-01T01:30:00.000+05:30

Another underage kid doing an honest day's work!

outside looking in

2007-11-30T00:29:00.000+05:30

Its not often that I am driven around in a nice chauffeur driven car, but this is what seems to be the most common sight when I am in one! I think I enjoy the rickshaws more where at least I can practice my hindi with the beggars and make them smile and laugh!

Coconut water

2007-11-29T22:09:00.000+05:30

Another hand painted sign that I love! I really love being in older parts of Mumbai where the ads are homemade and the people are not occupied with the latest billboard advertising the latest Western brand arriving in Mumbai.

shoe seller or cleaner?

2007-11-28T22:51:00.000+05:30

This lady was sat down right in the middle of a small lane - cleaning and possibly selling shoes of all variety!

more from juhu beach

2007-11-27T17:35:00.001+05:30

Not taken today! From a Sunday evening, Sundays at juhu or chowpatty are usually packed, family and couples take their outings.

heritage building

2007-11-26T17:25:00.000+05:30

Not sure of the name of this building but one of several in Mumbai with the Victorian architecture (is this is really the correct title of this type of architecture, I have heard it used? correct me if wrong.)
It is near churchgate station and the Indian Tourism office (that is where I was!).

State Library

2007-11-25T11:45:00.000+05:30

The Asiatic Society (state library) seems to be the hangout place in the evenings - the steps are full of couples sitting chatting and soaking up a little bit of Sufi music coming from Horniman Circle.

ice delivery

2007-11-24T11:59:00.000+05:30

Ice delivery getting ready for a busy sat night!

Siddhivinayak Temple

2007-11-23T11:39:00.000+05:30

Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi is one of the most famous Ganesh Temple's in India. I used to live right by it, but back then it didn't have a huge retainer wall around it nor the insane amount of security cameras. After the bombings up north the other day, security has been stepped up another notch in this area as well as other areas of Mumbai -- but life continues on as normal regardless!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T09:51:00.000+05:30

Every year an Expat group hosts an American style Thanksgiving dinner. The US Consulate flys in the turkey's and any ingredients necessary and off they set to cooking! It was a fantastic dinner - I'm veg, but having our own turkey to carve was as close to being home as we could get! (The pilgrims and American Indian statues were brought by someone at our table - a little added decoration!)

having a swim

2007-11-21T19:27:00.000+05:30

Kids in Mumbai will have fun no matter what their circumstances! These kids were enjoying a swim/bath in a tank of water opposite Churchgate station! (taken by Stacie)

moon rising

2007-11-20T19:24:00.000+05:30

I couldn't resist these parrots with the moon rising behind them. I love that they visit my house every morning and every evening.

juhu beach

2007-11-19T19:14:00.000+05:30

This is Juhu beach now that all of the stalls have been moved over to the right. Now drivers have a clear view and people have more space. Its still not the clean welcoming beach you'd think though!

zenzi

2007-11-18T00:28:00.000+05:30

Zenzi was crazy tonight - its their weekly Salsa night which has become very popular. It doesn't look so busy here, but the rest of the bar was packed!

Om shanti Om

2007-11-17T19:51:00.000+05:30

Now they have full window adverts for the latest Bollywood flick -- but I still prefer the posters plastered all over the city!

Chhat Puja

2007-11-16T19:53:00.000+05:30

Chhat Puja at Juhu Beach. I think its mostly for North Indians, but honestly this is the first I've ever heard of it! Educate me please!

leaving gift

2007-11-15T22:56:00.000+05:30

Being a foreigner in Mumbai and having any foreigner friends means that leaving parties are common. This is a photo of a painting that was gifted to a friend at her leaving party -- I love it. It seems to be the best present you could give someone - at least those of us who ride in these little lovelies on a daily basis!

this is what i see all the time

2007-11-14T23:11:00.000+05:30

This is what happens to me all the time.. people turning around to look at me. I just happened to catch this guy in the act. (Sorry for the ghosting... can't seem to stop it on my 50mm)

Fruit stall

2007-11-13T21:16:00.000+05:30

One thing I love and hate about India is having to go a million different places to get stuff for dinner! Somedays I love walking from shop to shop to veg stall to fruit stall, but other times I just want to go to one place and get it all! These days, Mumbai is changing and we do have shops that have everything -- unfortunately they tend to be far from where I live, so I still get to visit the market almost on a daily basis! (Random question - why do the vegetables here not stay good for more than a day or two max once you get them home?!)

voyeurs

2007-11-11T21:00:00.000+05:30

Anytime something is going on at Khar Gymkana there are lines and lines of people on the fence watching! I thought this was pretty funny though as there were literally lines of people watching the festivities -- most of whom were rickshaw walas and food delivery men!! Glad I was out for a walk and not waiting for food to arrive!

the day after

2007-11-10T14:46:00.000+05:30

The day after the big night this is how all of the roads look! And late last night, the sky was crazy - it looked like fog in Mumbai, but it was just all of the pollution from the fireworks going off all over the city! Almost finished.. the crackers are still going off, but should subside in the next day or so.

Happy Diwali!

2007-11-09T22:30:00.000+05:30

Today is the day... I think kids must wait for this day like we did for Christmas. They get to eat lots of yummy food, I think even get some gifts and of course spend the evening playing with fireworks! Kids young and old are out playing with fire. Thankfully most people in my building enjoy the mellow fireworks, but we are still being bombarded with the loud "bombs" that echo off of all the buildings anyway. Hope you all had a safe and happy diwali where ever you are in the world!

All out Diwali!

2007-11-08T00:21:00.000+05:30

Yesterday was the auspicious day to buy gold apparently. And the gold shops make it known where they are - this one went all out on their lights and decorations just in case you didn't know they were there!