Beautiful Bombay

I fell in love with Bombay.

I was sore from the flight. My knee had not yet been operated on and I was in serious trouble, having to use a wheelchair on and off the flights. But I knew I was going to love it even before we landed. The amazing colour of blue, blue roofs of the millions of people housed in slums from the air, was hopeful and charming. I couldn't wait to taste my first trip to India.

I did have to wait for 24 hours for some crutches. So I was alone for the very first day as the group (of course) were off exploring immediately. It was time to sit at my window and watch Bombay do it's amazing thing! What a cacophony of noise. Endless traffic. Colours. Smells, (good and bad), screeching voices, laughter, people. More people. More people. It wasn't the worst thing to have to watch the world go by.

Bombay is of course now known as Mumbai. But there is the old part of Mumbai that is still referred to as Bombay and it is charming in so many ways. Mumbai is a big urban city just like any other world city with its designer shops and wide thoroughfares. But Bombay is on the water's edge, it's architecture is beautiful and crumbling yet majestic. And of course the ever present Taj Mahal Hotel can be seen from almost everywhere. The Eye of India can also be seen from afar, even with the thronging crowds.

Sunday afternoon we do high tea at the completely stunning Taj Mahal Hotel. What an elegant pleasure. I sit at the table being served by my friend (due to the no crutches and leg issue) and treat after gorgeous treat is delivered. (Thanks Victoria.) I'm feeling my colonial roots.

So why did I love Bombay?

I want the pictures to tell the story. The food, both street food like the world famous Bademiyas kebabs, or Dhakshinaya, a tiny homestyle restaurant for the best dosa, or the elegant Jia for seriously one of the most amazing meals of my entire life, will stay with me forever. The markets, flowers, fish, textiles, food, veggies, fruit. All my senses were on overload.

The resilient people will also stay in my heart and my memory. I saw a lot of men on crutches. And they noticed me because I was one of them. There were some toothy grins and exchanges. But I had two legs. It was noted on several occasions with huge laughter and much back slapping. So funny and so charming. The children with their huge dark eyes and their colourful attire. The smiles. Smiles and optimism everywhere.

Bombay dreaming. It's a saying. And I understand it. I will be back Bombay.

For more information about future trips head over to Spice Mama and while you're dreaming, check out some of Shaheens beautiful recipes!