We decided to walk South Mumbai on day 1- still not brave enough to get back into one of those cars! We went past the fort area - which is home to the beautiful Prince something Museum - it seems to be the only restored building in Mumbai besides the exclusive Taj Palace Hotel. I will post some pics of this as words cannot describe how regal it is.
We then walked down to the Gateway of India - Mumbai's most famous monument, and today a symbol of colonial times. And then we hit Coloba - the tourist hotspot in Mumbai.
We were both keen to get to the "market". After asking a couple of people for directions (they all pointed to different ways which is apparently common - something to do with showing face) we came across what we thougth was the "market" and indeed it was. Although it was not what we were expecting. Behind the tourist district in Colaba is a shanty town. Again the shanties here are made with any materials possible. We were the only whities walking around and this became really apparent when a dog started barking us down the road. Again this area is really poverty stricken. It is hustling and bustling with small shops (most seem to sell the same goods, so I am not sure how they survive) and people, most of whom are beggars. It was really heart breaking and we were constantly jeered at or asked for money. It gets exhausting saying "no, no, no" the whole time especially when you just want to give to everyone. God it was sad.
After the barking dog incident we decided to leave. And luckily we managed to find our way to the "market we were after! The main Colaba Causeway is lined with stalls that sell the most beautiful goods - precious stones, gorgeous fabrics, cloths, intricate leather sandals. The markets here also sell a lot of rubbish too. We decided to walk across the stalls. Julia bought a few items. It is difficult to spend freely after witnessing such extreme poverty and not feel guilty.
It think we were both pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to haggle the price of any of the goods down. Initially we felt a little uncomfortable doing it, but apparently it is expected and you soon get the swing using phrases like "your best price" or "new year's price" etc.
We had a massive lunch in Leopolds - the cafe described in the book Shantaram ( a must read for anyone remotely interested in Indian culture and the goings on in Mumbai), and enjoyed a couple of hours just people spotting. Apparenltly this is the cafe to see and to be seen.
(tbc)
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Love your impressions. That poverty that we've seen in South Africa hits you in the face when you're in a foreign land because, I think, we have grown up with South African poverty and are used to it. We have become immune to South African poverty. Going away - like to India or Cuba or even Russia - you see the same type of poverty and because it's 'new' and 'foreign' it smacks you. I wept bitter tears in Cuba and was so happy to hide in the strictly up-market tourist places from time to time. Sofia, try and give what you can. I know it seems never-ending, but even a shilling means a lot to those very, very poor people. I feel sad just thinking about the poverty and lack that those people suffer from. Sorry to be so depressing.
Other than that, you are (so I've been told) in the spiritual centre of the world. India influences people in different ways and it's great that we can share your experiences with you via the net.
love you lots. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
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