Mumbai, India ... Hmmm, not quite sure where to begin to describe the kaleidoscope of cultures one encounters in this city.
It is, without a doubt, India's financial capital. You could be forgiven for thinking otherwise when you land at Mumbai's International Airport. For one, the airport is surrounded by slums. The airport itself is extremely dingy and dilapidated by international standards. Not quite "Shining India".
The poverty in Mumbai is relentless and in your face. As we drove from the airport to the area of "Colaba", we passed through Dharavi, Asia's biggest slum. Dharavi, like much of India, is full of contradictions but somehow things just work -- It is true that the living conditions there are a cesspit of disease and filth but a million odd people live and earn their livelihood here. The land area itself is not cheap; for a small area enough for a makeshift tent, the prices are ridiculously exorbitant. Demolishing Dharavi and relocating the slum dwellers elsewhere was an idea that was touted in political circles before but so far, no action.
Colaba in Southern Mumbai is the place to visit if one is a fan of old Victorian and Gothic architecture. Many of the buildings there bear the characteristics of British architecture but unfortunately, many of the buildings there are left to rot. It is evident nobody has the time or the effort to restore these buildings to their former glory. In short, nobody cares. Still, a worthwhile place to visit in my opinion.
It is, without a doubt, India's financial capital. You could be forgiven for thinking otherwise when you land at Mumbai's International Airport. For one, the airport is surrounded by slums. The airport itself is extremely dingy and dilapidated by international standards. Not quite "Shining India".
The poverty in Mumbai is relentless and in your face. As we drove from the airport to the area of "Colaba", we passed through Dharavi, Asia's biggest slum. Dharavi, like much of India, is full of contradictions but somehow things just work -- It is true that the living conditions there are a cesspit of disease and filth but a million odd people live and earn their livelihood here. The land area itself is not cheap; for a small area enough for a makeshift tent, the prices are ridiculously exorbitant. Demolishing Dharavi and relocating the slum dwellers elsewhere was an idea that was touted in political circles before but so far, no action.
Colaba in Southern Mumbai is the place to visit if one is a fan of old Victorian and Gothic architecture. Many of the buildings there bear the characteristics of British architecture but unfortunately, many of the buildings there are left to rot. It is evident nobody has the time or the effort to restore these buildings to their former glory. In short, nobody cares. Still, a worthwhile place to visit in my opinion.
