The city is a little overwhelming at first, but it does have its charm. I spent this evening on the beach and the marine walk. Although the water is too polluted for any kind of swimming, people really enjoy sitting on the sand while the sun sets, enjoying the cool sea breezes; lots of familys and even people in burkas (no burkinis though because of the aweful water conditions). There are plenty of vendors, and some people even set up whole resteraunts on grass mats on the sand. The sidewalks along the breakwater turn into Mumbai speed walking. I think everyone enjoys getting their exercise or social walking in after the sun sets. There are alos plenty of people who just sit on the ocean walls and meet up with friends while eating snacks and hot tea provided by the ambulatory vendors.
This morning I took a ferry out in to the harbor to visit Elephant Island, the site of some ancient cave rock temples. We sailed by lots of old rusty boats and saw the Indian Navy stationed at the old fort.
I also explored some of the non-touristy parts of the city and got lost in a maze of market streets full of lots and lots of people and merchandise of all kinds. I also stumbled upon various religious buildings in the midst of all the commotion, a Hindu temple, a Jain temple and several mosques. The worshipers encouraged me to take off my shoes and participate, but I wasn't sure how. I ate lunch from a vendor who had converted the trunk of his car into a mini-eatery. People were giving me looks to observe how I woul eat with my hands - apparently my style is slightly different than the local variation. I also saw the outdoors clothes washing district, but had mixed feelings about how this has become a tourist activity. I went to the Gandhi shrine at his Bombay house and saw his simple work area. He is an inspiration.
This morning I took a ferry out in to the harbor to visit Elephant Island, the site of some ancient cave rock temples. We sailed by lots of old rusty boats and saw the Indian Navy stationed at the old fort.
I also explored some of the non-touristy parts of the city and got lost in a maze of market streets full of lots and lots of people and merchandise of all kinds. I also stumbled upon various religious buildings in the midst of all the commotion, a Hindu temple, a Jain temple and several mosques. The worshipers encouraged me to take off my shoes and participate, but I wasn't sure how. I ate lunch from a vendor who had converted the trunk of his car into a mini-eatery. People were giving me looks to observe how I woul eat with my hands - apparently my style is slightly different than the local variation. I also saw the outdoors clothes washing district, but had mixed feelings about how this has become a tourist activity. I went to the Gandhi shrine at his Bombay house and saw his simple work area. He is an inspiration.
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