Bombay is far less scary by the light of day.
In fact, in daylight, it is a vibrant city filled with an array colors and smells and sounds. It's also a city filled with many contradictions. For instance, many of buildings are quite beautiful, built in old-fashioned and classy colonial styles, unfortunately many have been left to disrepair.
Bombay is also home to Asia's biggest slum and I think at least half the population lives in either the street of in shacks. There is extreme wealth and obscene poverty here.
I also think it's fair to say it's the most diverse city in India with representation from all castes, religions, languages, etc. making it quite interesting to experience.
That said, Julie and I were eager to tackle our first day together in Bombay and hit the streets after a brief breakfast in bed (toast and jam).
We set out for the waterfront first to get a glimpse of the Gateway of India and the Taj Hotel- both impressive structures! However, we took a pass on the tea at the Taj- it was way out of our budget!
It's worth mentioning that on the way down to the waterfront, we were ambushed by two elderly indian men dressed in what looked like monks clothing. They wrapped long pieces of red and yellow material around our right wrists and then marked our foreheads with red dots (bindies) and gave us yellow flowers (thay looked like marigolds). We didn't understand what they were saying (except when it came to asking for a donation). After the fact we asked a man who worked at the internet cafe and he said that the process was meant to bring good luck and that we should leave the braclets on until they fall off. Interesting.
After mouthwatering coffees at what can only be described as the Syarbucks of India we set out to tackle the vendors. There are swarms of vendors all over Colaba (the tourist hub of Mumbai)and many of them we likely stepped over on the street the night before! They sell anything and everything- sandals, bags, skirts, jewelery, movies, and my personal favorite- the big balloon! I swear, if I see another big balloon vendor again I'll go mad! The most amusing part of it is how the big balloon vendors will come up to you and say "big balloon?" like an explaination is required. It's very easy to see they are selling giant balloons.
It was at the conclusion of our shopping extravagaza that it happened. We were discovered! As we were standing outside of Leopolds contemplating whether to go home for a cat nap, an Indian man who was stylishly dressed (for India) and who spoke very clear English approached us and asked us if we wanted to be in a Bollywood film. Well Julie and I glanced at each other in disbelief and then dissolved into laughter! We vhad heard about things like this happening to tourists and had joked with our friends about being an extra ina movie, but I don't think either of us actually thought iot would happen. We were very skeptical.
Jules took the lead in giving our recruiter a major interagation. She demanded to see his business card and a list of forigners he'd already recruited. We asked about the name of the movie and the location of the shoot. As the interview continued, we began to feel more confident in the legitimacy of the offer. The man worked for a company called Casting Planet and seemed to be quite concered about whether we would actually show up- he said his job was on the line. He thought we were unrealiable. After the fact, I considered his assessment of us to be pretty astute as I don't think either Julie or I were completely convinced we would show up. He instructed us to meet him right there at 8pm that night. We shook hands and Julie and I laughed our way back to our hostel to get some beauty sleep for our film debut!
To be continued...
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