Mumbai

My first full day in Mumbai was a chance to explore the culture and the city I will be spending my time in. It started with the beautiful architecture in the Fort area, including the Victoria Station and the historic Post Office. The post office was designed by a British architect, John Begg, in 1902, completed in 1913. The stone is a beautiful mix of black basalt and yellow kurla stone, with the main feature being a grand dome.

From here, I took a train to the area of the city known for people washing clothes. This is a spot which attracts lots of tourists, as it is very well known. This was very interesting to get an idea of the way people in the city live and earn. I couldn't go into the washing area, only view from above, so I got a train back towards the Churchgate area. Here, I went through Disco Bridge to Chowpaty Beach, the Ghandi musuem, and a holy area. This has many small shrines to the Hindu Gods, as well as a pure water area, in which many people go to wash themselves and their clothes. The original source of the water is still unknown, but has been flowing here for many years, and remains cool and constant.

The last part of my day, I saw the Gateway of India, a very fascinating structure, and much more impressive in real life than I had anticipated. Opposite this is the Taj Mahal Hotels. The original is currently under some construction due to the 2008 terrorist attacks in the city, but I had a look in the new hotel, which is incredible. Although I enjoyed visiting, it was difficult for me after seeing the level of poverty many people in the city face.

My final stop was a dress shop, to buy tradition Indian wear. This was important to me, as I want to repect the country I am in, and gain respect by dressing in a way they understand. While I am here, and have the potential to go to areas of poverty, as well as religious spaces, I feel it is vital to dress modestly and in honour of the culture.