Around the World in 21 Days-Part 37

Mumbai, a place of extremes

This morning we attended a ceremony at a Hara Krishna temple.



Susan and Ann were blessed. No one converted.

Jim in intense thought at the Hara Krishna temple

By seven a.m. we were wandering the streets and it was an eye-opening education. We saw babies sleeping on the ground, blue tarps the only protection for families, children working with their parents to eke out a living. We saw people living in great poverty. But everyone smiled and was kind to us as foreigners in a foreign land. We were back in the safety and comfort of our hotel by 9:30 a.m. but had the best morning yet!
 

A baby sleeps

Morning ablutions

Child in the playground

A study in contrasts. This man is using an iron heated by coal while speaking on his cell phone.

Children being shown how to draw a rangoli to welcome the goddess Lakshmi.

 

Madras shorts in Mumbai

Learning to be a belt maker.

Making ice cream

This fellow lived in an elevator



In this family everyone worked:  the mother did laundry, the father sold flowers and the child sold leaves.



A squatter slum

A tea shop

Washing station



 



Then on to the luxury of the famous Taj Hotel for drinks and lunch

During the rest of the morning we visited many shops, then lunched at the Taj Hotel. Gracious and majestic in form, it's a Mumbai landmark. The Chinese lunch was excellent...thank you Mike and Kathy!

Exotic flaming berries are served

Pam and I stopped for drinks at the famous Sea Lounge at the Taj Hotel. The exact date when Sea Lounge opened is not known. But most think that it has always been a part of The Taj. Originally known as The Palm Lounge in the early sixties, it became known as The Sea Lounge in 1966, with the Palm Lounge remaining as an adjacent, non air-conditioned lounge. The essence of Sea Lounge is that it was and will always be a place for people to meet, relax and lounge. Sea Lounge regulars have always had fixed tables.

In light of renovations that took place at Taj in the late 90s, people always maintained that the one place they did not want changed was Sea Lounge. So now the tables are a little higher, the lighting is a little better but the original essence of the place has been maintained.

I was then back at the hotel for a spa appointment. Zoni gave me a a great head treatment. I was so mellow that I had difficulty rousing myself for dinner. It was a great day.
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