After a series of unexpected events following an exhausting, yet fun, day of flying kites, I finally made it back to Mumbai at 8am this morning.
Before I tell you about my trip to Gujarat, I have to tell you about one the best evenings I have had in Mumbai since I have been here. Around 8pm last Saturday, I received a call from my friend's cousin who lives in town. After a day of slight boredom, I decided to jump on a train and head to Churchgate station to meet him. Don't forget, Churchgate station is the train station that was mowed down in the attacks. I arrived safely and jumped in a taxi to the Regal Cinema where I was to meet him. While waiting for him, a group of men walked by. One started asking his friends if I was a "dandhewali" i.e. prostitute. His two friends replied with a strong "no" but he turned around and started walking towards me to which my grin about his stupidity turned into a rather large frown. Fortunately, his friends grabbed him and another lady standing nearby told me to come sit with her until my friend arrived.
My friend arrived. Except he arrived on a motorcycle. I blew caution to the wind and jumped on (without a helmet). We rode down Marine drive past the Gateway of India (where the terrorists entered from) and the Taj Hotel. We parked and took a walk around the area known as Colaba and stopped by the Leopold Cafe (yet another site that was attacked) which was jam packed and busy. I was stopped by an old lady in a full hijab who offered me marijuana to which I started laughing. (and of course, I said no) We walked over to a neighboring pub and sat down. After about an hour of people watching and conversation, we got up and left.
Jumping back on the motorcycle, I got a midnight tour of the entirety of Colaba. The ride also involved a ride from Nariman Point (the southern most tip of Mumbai) up to Chowpatty.
Overall, this evening was one of my most enjoyable and relaxing excursions in Mumbai since I have been here. Thanks Rakhi! However, the train ride back was one of the most frightening ones. It was the 1am train and I was the only person in the ladies compartment which to me is scarier than a full compartment.
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