Mumbai

December 11 (Sunday):

Got a wake up call at 9:00am.  Showered, got ready, went for breakfast at 10:00am.  An amazing array of food and great service - they even redo your napkins whilst you are gone for second helpings.  Relaxed in the lobby and  watched the in and out goings - not a boring moment.  Went to do some shopping in the small stalls along Coloba Causeway.  Bought some Pashmini and got talking to to the shop owner, who was from Kashmir.  He invited us in and gave us tea & coffee.

Back to the Taj, packed and checked out at 3:30pm - they granted us a late check out, as we had a late night flight.  Left our baggage at the Concierge.   At 5:00pm, we were given a tour and history of the Taj Hotel - some incredible facts going back to the British Rule.  The Hall of Fame reflected some of the guests that had stayed at this hotel - looked like most of the famous people had stayed here at least once - from President's; Kings & Queens to movie stars.  We were shown the exclusive club room; the grand banquet room; the main staircase etc etc.  At one point, Mr Tata (the richest man in India; and one of the top 10 richest in the world, and also the owner of the Taj) came by and greeted us.  At the end of the tour as the group dispersed, the eloquently spoken guide (Viren D'Sa) came to us and asked us to join him for a complimentary drink and chat, which we did. 

Went to experience a bollywood movie at the local cinema - lots of pushing to get in, and lots of whistling and screaming, depending on the scene.  Left after an hour, as were running out of time.  Went back to the Taj, where they had granted us access to the Spa to shower, change and freshen up before our flight.  Checked out at 9:45, and got a taxi to the airport (450 Rupees - $9).

Arrived at the airport at 11:20pm.  Checked in; cashed in my Rupees; and went through Security and Immigration.


December 10 (Saturday):

Today, our last night, was at the Taj Palace hotel.  Got a wake up call at 8:30am.  Got ready, had breakfast, packed and checked out.  Got a taxi to Taj Palace hotel.  There was security all around, due to the recent terrorists attack.  The entire perimeter of the Taj was barricaded, and there were a large number of security personnel all around - but once they got to know us, we were treated with respect.  Got a grand reception - garland, tika, local traditional juice.  They had upgraded our room to deluxe (higher floor).  Unpacked and took in the sights within the hotel - a number of great restaurants; designer shops, patio and the swimming pool.  The service was exceptional, with rooms being made 2-3 times a day, regular check ups to see of we needed tea, coffee or anything etc, etc. 

Negotiated a deal with a taxi driver.  Left at 11:3Oam, went to Dadar - took 1 1/2 hrs due to traffic.  Went to Suvidha - a famous clothing department store.  Went overboard with our shopping - didn't mind as this was our only shopping spree and we were nearing the end of our holidays.  Were looked after very well and given juices as we moved through the various areas.  Then drove to Juhu beach for some 'Pau Bhaji'.  Went to see the famous Bollywood stars residences - Amitabh Bachan; Hema Malini; Abishek & Ashwariya; Rhitik Roshan; Dharmendra (Bobby Deol was just driving in); Yash Chopra etc.  Then drove to Bandra and saw Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan's residences.  Drove to Haji Ali mosque and then back to Taj Palace hotel at 7:00pm.  The entrance to the Taj was continuously lined up with luxury cars as guests were being dropped off and picked up.

Freshened up and then did a tour again of the Taj Palace hotel.  Went to Delhi Durbar (another famous eatery) for dinner - great food.  Back to Taj to freshen up and change.  Took a taxi to Intercontinental Hotel - the roof top cocktail (Dome) has great views of Marine Drive and the ocean and is famous for bollywood star spotting.  Jackie Shroff had been there 1/2 hr before we arrived.  Took in the scenery, while having cocktails, and took some pictures.

Took taxi back to Coloba and went to another club - Polly Esther.  Slept at 2:00am


Spent the night at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.



December 9 (Friday):

Got a wake up call at 7:45am.  Got ready, had breakfast and went to Apollo Bunder at 9:00am.  Got a ticket for the City Bus sightseeing tour (180 Rupees - $3.60).  The bus departed at 10:30am, and in the meantime, got my shoes cleaned (20 Rupees - $0.40), and had masala chai (5 Rupees - $0.10).

The tour consisted of Gateway of India; Taj Palace Hotel; Galleries; Museums; Aquariums; Nariman Point; Marine Drive; Tower of Silence; Chowpatty Beach; Bandra; Bollywood Stars houses; Juhu Beach etc.  Had local "Thali" (50 Rupees - $1) along the way, and "Bhel Puri" (50 Rupees - $1) at Juhu beach.

Bus dropped us at Andheri Metro station at around 7:00pm.  Got the local train to Churchgate station - amazing experience - got almost trampled as people jumped on to the moving train to get a seat before passengers could even get out.  Lots of passengers were hanging out on the moving train - this would be our last experience of the local trains.

It took about 45 mins (15 stops) to get to Churchgate station.  Took taxi (50 Rupees - $1) to hotel, relaxed and showered.  Got ready and went to "Leopolds" for dinner - this restaurant was recommended in the 'Lonely Planet' and was packed.  We were give a table right away.  Had beef kebab - great food and great crowd.  Went to Gateway of India for some pictures, and then back to the hotel to freshen up and change.

At 12:00 midnight, went to the "Prevee" club - an exclusive, posh club.  Admission is restricted to card carrying members, their guests through reservations, being a celebrity or being accompanied by a celebrity.  Being foreigners, they let us in.  We experienced the lifestyle of Mumbai's chic youngsters - sons and daughters of Mumbai's millionaires - as they charaded their partners, lavishly spent money on expensive drinks, and had chauffeur driven cars waiting outside.  There were personal open rooms surrounding the dance floor for members.  It was very, very crowded and the music wasn't great.  Left at 3:00am.


Spent the night at Diplomat Hotel.


December 8 (Thursday):

Got a wake up call at 8:00am (knock on the door).  Got ready and went for breakfast at 9:30am.  Finished packing, checked out and took a taxi at 10:15 (900 Rupees - $18) to the airport.  Arrived at the airport at 11:30am - checked in and went through security.  Departed Goa at 1:50pm.

Arrived Mumbai at 3:00pm.  Got a pre-paid taxi (440 Rupes - $9).  Lots of traffic, so the going was very slow, and it took a long time to get to our hotel in Colaba.  Arrived 1 1/2 hrs later at 5:00pm.  The drive was very scenic.  Checked in to the Diplomat Hotel.  The location was great - just behind the Taj Palace hotel.  They upgarded our room so it faced the back of the Taj Hotel.  On the side of our hotel was the Salvation Hostel - where Safraz and I had stayed 10 years ago.

Showered and freshened up.  Went to the famous Bade Miya - just a shack that opens only in the evenings for BBQ's - but very packed, with small tables laid out on the street.  Had chicken and mutton BBQ.  Back to hotel to clear the Delhi Bellies.  Walked along Colaba Causeway - small shops; restaurants; cinemas; clubs etc.  Walked to Marine Drive and then walked along Marine Drive to Chowpatty Beach - must have walked a few kilometres.  Got a taxi back to the hotel.  Heard some good music and went to the hotel bar - all the people were in a great mood and dancing.  A group of men & women asked us to join in and we had a merry time.  Only stayed a short time due to our early schedule the next day.


Spent the night at Diplomat Hotel.