In our last post we'd explored the more affluent British themed section of the city. We've since moved hostels and entered the Masjid district, a working class Muslim area of the city. In fact, it feels like the two districts are completely different cities (One could even argue we've somehow been beamed up by the starship Enterprise only to be dumped in some distant corner of a strange Galaxy). Hijabs and burkhas now replace saris, mosques dot street corners and a melodious call to prayer is heard throughout the day.
In our daily wanderings around the city, we managed to stumble into the Crawford Market area, a grungy gigantic version of Granville Island Market but with more butchers and a wider spectrum of olfactory delicacies (we recommend all to experience firsthand this "Eau de Bombay". Really. It's a delight). Outside, the streets and alleys teem with more markets and stalls. Various alleys specialize in selling only hats, or ladies underwear, or mangoes, or...there is a street for everything. It is quite a sight.
One of the most interesting experiences in Mumbai has been riding the public trains. They are constantly filled with commuters at all hours of the day and offer some of the best people watching opportunities. Hand rails and a lack of doors always for some creative riding positions by some of the more experienced locals. Not to mention a ticket costs 10 rupees (20 cents). An excellent price for a great show
Mumbai has been an incredible experience. We've been amazed at the friendliness of the locals, the deliciousness of the street food, and the compete cacophony of rush hour traffic. At times it has felt like a completely different planet. A city this size makes you gawk at the fact that 7 billion people exist on this earth.
Tomorrow we leave the zoo of Mumbai for the desert zoo of Jaipur and our first experience on an overnight sleeper train in India.
The adventure never stops here
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