Mumbai Madness

After our wee bit of peace and tranquility we spent an entire day travelling south from Rishikesh to Mumbai, via Delhi, by train, taxi and plane.

Although a much faster train trip back we did have a mad old badger sharing our compartment who started off as slightly amusing and then after several hours of chanting, hoikking, farting and demands we were well and truly glad to hop off the train. Our bargining skills were put to the test by the taxi drivers as we tried to get to the airport and go to love those small victories but there was no way we were backing down!

Our arrival in Mumbai was pretty straightforward and the traffic although heavy was nothing like the chaos of delhi - the heat did hit us though and as budget as we are with a non AC taxi we had our heads out the window for the hour ride to the hotel.

Sunday saw us take a leisurely stroll around Mumbai (don't think we could have managed anymore in the heat - soo much more humid down this way) and was pleased that it was seemingly very quiet. Watched about 40+ games of cricket being played in oval maiden (size of one cricket ground) and even braved cutting across the middle - although had to duck flying balls a couple of times!

Had a look at the Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Hotel and Palace, Crawford Market and then had a drink at Leopolds Cafe (for all you shantaram fans) - we even got asked if we wanted to be in a bollywood shoot the next day. That night we wandered along to Chowpatty Beach - Mumbai's equivalent to san Tropez. Ate some yummy cheap eats on the beach with all the families and watched the loons running the amusement rides (videos to come.... health and safety?).

Day 2 we braved Mumbai Rail System, which was suprisingly easy to negotiate. Did some shopping and other bits and pieces - regular ice cream breaks featuring quite highly on the priority list. We're lucky enough to time our stay with IPL (indian Premier league - cricket) 20/20 match at the stadium that happened to be across the street from our hotel. Was a bit of a mission geting the tickets - indians are extremely passionate about cricket and when it became obvious that the game was to be a sell out the line/crowd got all a bit crazy.

Managed to secure tickets - and great seats at that, so spent Monday night watching a game between the Mumbai Indians and the Colcutta Knight Riders. It was nothing like either of us have ever seen and was absolute madness - so much singing, dancing, tooting horns, with the most animated audience ever. The infactuation and adoration of the indian males for the all white chairleaders was a sight to behold. We ended up watching the men dancing as it was much more entertaining.

At the airport just waiting for our flight to Goa - can't wait for the beaches, has been soooo hot and humid and although we sampled the delights of the ganges Beach in Rishikesh i don't think it will compare. Crazy how we have been here for three weeks and this will actually be our first chance to tan and take some clothes off!

More to come soon - plus pics

Big hugs to all

GGTTFN xxxxx