I had a terrible experience in Mumbai, but it was unforgettable. Mumbai is India's financial and cultural capital and one of its finest and wealthiest cities.
But behind Mumbai's glamour lies the unique rhythm of city life for the Mumbaikars. Like other major world megacities, it's a bustling metropolis where chaos and order coexist. I was drawn into this vibrant tapestry of good times and bad during my month-long stay.
My stay in Bandra, a vibrant hub of street commerce, was filled with unique experiences. The streets, adorned with various businesses, offered a shopping experience. My limited wardrobe from New Delhi led me to local shopping, where I found a few shirts and a new pair of shoes at a Nike outlet store. These purchases became my companions as I explored Mumbai's streets and downtown areas.
In Bandra, I would take a daily walk along the bandstand and pass by the mansion of Shah Rukh Khan, one of the famous Bollywood actors. The Bollywood "Walk of Stars" was newly installed then. The names of stars like Kareena Kapoor, whom I've known from the movie "3 Idiots" and other celebrities whose expressions and body marks are inscribed and molded-- their version of the Hollywood "Walk of Fame."
On certain days, I would take a cab from Bandra and traverse the awe-inspiring Bandra-Worli Sea Link. This majestic bridge, a symbol of modern engineering, connects Mumbai's two most essential districts and serves as the gateway to the downtown area, where the world heritage sites are located. This structure's sheer scale and beauty never left me in awe.
During my explorations, I often passed by the tower mansion of the Ambanis, India's richest family and business tycoon. The sheer opulence of this million-dollar house in Mumbai's most expensive real estate location never failed to intrigue me, leaving me with a sense of wonder at its grandeur.
As I reached the old downtown area, my walking tour started with appreciating the old European structures like the Gateway of India and the magnificent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which was rich in colonial history and built during the British Raj.
I enjoyed the gallery viewing inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. From its construction, the Royal visits, and the terrorist attack, I learned a piece of its glory and gruesome history.
One day, I decided to delve into Mumbai's local train system. I embarked on a journey from Bandra to Christchurch station, but my experience was marred by a misunderstanding with the ticketing system, resulting in a fine. This incident underscored the importance of understanding local transportation rules. Despite this setback, I continued my exploration, enjoying the sight of students playing cricket, a popular Indian sport, around the University of Mumbai and the nearby areas.
I spent more days in Bandra, and so I explored the streets. Some days, I enjoyed a cup of cappuccino in a café, and some days, I visited the nearby churches to pray. I went to a church on a hilltop, and it was a short car ride via Hill Road.
Before I left Mumbai, I had yet to find Bollywood. It's not a place, but it's a film center. I understand they're the largest producer of films in the world. I've watched some of Shah Rukh Khan and Amir Khan's films not in Mumbai but in Delhi cinema. There's more to Bollywood in Mumbai, but I needed more.
During that month-long stay, I learned about the place and its people, culture, food, music, and lifestyle.
Mumbai has a colorful heritage and history; whenever I have a chance to return in the future, it will be much more wonderful and truly memorable.
©️ 2020 Del Cusay