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Move Forward and Never Be Still

Magnificent Mumbai

Magnificent Mumbai
We took a local plane from Goa to Mumbai which left at 7:30 am. After about an hour’s flight, we reached Mumbai and dared to reach the city center by taking the train. Carrying all our heavy bags, we bought our tickets but did not know on which platform we were supposed to be heading. Our arrival coincided with several trains’ arrival so people were rushing to the exit. Tired and quite overwhelmed by what we witnessed, Marx and I just decided to take the cab. About an hour later, we reached our hotel with the skies threatening to cry.

We stayed at Travelers Inn located in a side street a few blocks away from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus famous. I was struck on how beautiful and the intricate this structure was. If this was not located in the center of a busy intersection, I’m sure that I could spend an entire day taking snapshots of her different angles. However, we did not spent much time since we only have an afternoon to explore the bustling city.

Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus

After our photo sessions with the beautiful railway station, a cab and 25 INR later, we were deposited on the shores of Mumbai which faces the Arabian Sea. We walked the stretch of the shoreline while wishing it will not rain. Couples were lining up the boardwalk and we saw one kissing. It was a refreshing and quite a very romantic sight.

Lovers in paradise?

 

I was amazed when we visited Mani Bhavan afterwards. Located in the quiet street of Laburnum Road in downtown Mumbai, the mansion used to host the respectable Mahatma Gandhi. Entrance is free and photo-taking is superbly allowed. Mani Bhavan or also called Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya houses a library and museum too. The stairwells are dotted with his life’s pictures. His dedication for the betterment of his time can be seen from the many angles of this abode.

 

 

 

 


And this is where we entered India but not quite literally. The India Gate were constantly surrounded by hordes of tourists. Another gate of India can be found in New Delhi but I find this one more charming. Horse-drawn carriages are available for hire but we did not dare ask how much since we would not be riding one. The Taj Mahal Palace stands facing the sea and it was quite an imposing sight. Marx and me wondered how much is the nightly rate here. We wonder maybe it was worth the whole budget of our entire trip! It sure would be expensive and so we just got content in having our photos taken. 

 

The Taj Mahal Palace
Intercontinental Mumbai

We just spent an entire afternoon in Mumbai but our itinerary was packed nonetheless. Mumbai is also known as Bombay. European architectural influence is evident specially in the city center. The old structures are still being used as offices, commercial and residential establishments. I noticed though some do need to be restored or at be least re-painted.

The cool Mumbai breeze and the city’s lively ambience gives the city its own brand of magnificence. Perhaps it is the glow of those towering structures still standing tall amidst the caress of modern times. 



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