Day 2: Thu 6 Nov 25 - Mumbai

Thu 6 Nov 25 - Mumbai

It was about 4:00am before I got to sleep, and I barely dozed before I got restless and had to get up again by 07:00am. Our hotel, the Chateau Windsor Hotel is located in Mumbai's Central Business District, and sounds very fancy, but rest assured it's far from it. The family owned and operated hotel is very old, and the rooms are dated, but (mine at least) is large, clean and comfortable, so that's all we can ask for.  Breakfast was at the opposite end of culinary standards that we are accustomed to in most western hotels that we stay at, but it was sufficient for our needs - all Indian of course. After breakfast, Greg and I had a slow wander around the bustling and very noisy streets of Mumbai to the Gateway of India which is unfortunately currently being renovated. The Gateway of India is an arch-monument on the waterfront, completed in 1924 built to commemorate the landing of King George V for his coronation as the Emperor of India in 1911. He was the first British monarch to visit India. It reached a balmy 30 degrees today and got a bit humid, so by 1:00pm we were starting to fade and get a little hungry. We then returned to our rooms with some baked takeaway from a fancy bakery for lunch from across lunch and had a much needed snooze. At 4:00pm, Greg and I had a very leisurely stroll along the Marine Drive, a 3 km long promenade which is obviously a very popular destination for the locals who flock there to just sit and gaze either at the water, or into each others eyes. There seemed to be a lot of romancing going on. Dinner tonight was at the Gaylord Restaurant across the road from the hotel washed down with a large cold Kingfisher beer - very nice. Another short wander after dinner ended our 1st day in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay until the name was changed in 1995). Tomorrow we aim to explore a lot more this very interesting city.

Not your standard breakfast fare, but tasty and filling enough

The Chateau Windsor Hotel - our home for 4 nights

Popular Mumbai street food

One of India's renowned Royal Enfield motorcycles

Central Railway Headquarters building nearby

More popular Mumbai street food

One of many examples of fine art deco buildings in Mombai

Art Deco is a notable feature of the architecture in Mumbai 

Art Deco was a prominent feature for office buildings and residences during a period when India was part of the British Empire

Art Deco building on Marine Drive

A tribute to an esteemed local citizen

Mumbai wanders

Mumbai wanders

Mumbai wanders - time for an afternoon nap


Mumbai wanders - Charkha Sculpture regarded as a symbol of self-reliance and independence, created to celebrate India's 60th year of independence.


Many locals come to the park to escape the midday heat

It's easy to see what the country's national sport is...

There would have been about five games of cricket being played on this large ground at the same time

Wandering the streets of Mumbai

Wandering the streets of Mumbai

Wandering the streets of Mumbai

Wandering the streets of Mumbai - The Heritage 5 Star luxury Taj Mahal Palace hotel.  

Wandering the streets of Mumbai  - The Gateway of India Arch Monument

Wandering the streets of Mumbai  


Wandering the streets of Mumbai - The Heritage 5 Star luxury Taj Mahal Palace hotel.  


Wandering the streets of Mumbai  

Wandering the streets of Mumbai  


Wandering the streets of Mumbai  


Wandering the streets of Mumbai  

Wandering the streets of Mumbai  

Wandering the streets of Mumbai  

Wandering the streets of Mumbai  

Popular Marine Drive Promenade

Popular Marine Drive Promenade

Popular Marine Drive Promenade - The father of these two children asked me to take their photo, and was so appreciative

Popular Marine Drive Promenade


Evening wander

Evening Wander

Evening Wander













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