Lifeguards in Goa…
They don’t have red flags on the beaches. They have a metal sign that says “don’t swim past this point”. Of course people do. [HMK]
Relaxing on the beach…
After a walk along the beach watching the crabs and fishermen, we stopped to have a lassi and some pakoras. While lying on deck chairs and a straw umbrella providing shade.
This was the view from where were we sitting. Afterwards I fell asleep for about an hour.
Being on holiday is hard work.
Baracuda
Goa…
Train from Mumbai to Goa
This was a totally amazing experience. – the train was sechulded to leave at 11:30. We were standing on the platform with our luggage waiting for the train to turn up from about 10:00. They announced the train, and a large number of people just ran to the other end of a very long platform (we couldn’t see the end). These were the people who had second class seats with no reservations. So what do you do when you don’t have seat reservations? you run and jump on of course! a number of minutes later when the train went by there were still people jumping on the train, it was totally amazing to see. I’ve never seen anything like that before in my life.
Once we got to Goa (only 4 hours late), we paid this guy 100 rupees to carry our suitcases. On his head is 40kg’s of our luggage – not to mention another 10 on his shoulder. He walked up three ramps and down three flights of stairs. These guys are fit! Sorry Amy I don’t think we will be attempting this on our next visit.
Library collection under glass
This is what all the libraries look like in India that I visited. However this was the only one where I could take a photo.
Only shade available on the beach in Mumbai
We went for a walk along Chowpatty beach on our last afternoon in Mumbai. Unfortunately he had all the shade…
Victoria Terminus
This photo was requested by Mr PJS!
Hope you enjoy it, because we endured peak hour wall of people walking the other direction to get this photo.
Mumbai Trains
This is a pre-emptive action to stop those complaints from blog readers who expect me to upload photos of public transport around the world.
This is a photo of the Mumbai’s fantastically over used rail system. I climbed an overpass and asked a guide kindly if I could take this photo for my adoring fans. I hope you treasure it and that you do not feel the need to write a letter of complaint….. If you do, I’ll have to upload so Mumbai bus photos. They have the best horns in the world.. ANd if your REALLY complain I promise to take photos of the KL Monorail.
Card Catalogues Never Die
No overseas holiday is possible without a visit to a library – or photos. However, I must admit that this has not been easy.
When in Jaipur we followed our guides advice that the library was open at 4pm… and presto went back and it wasn’t open on the day we were there (more on this guide later). However I did take a photo of a shut door – that that the sign age is helpful to anyone.
Next we visited the David Sassoon Library in Mumbai… unfortunately I was not allowed to take any photos. We also visited the Asiatic Society of Bombay Library, and Mumbai’s State Central Library (again no photos -darn!). Which is really disappointing as they still use the old subscriber system, and card catalogues. All the books are kept in glass wooden cabinets, and magazines are often pilled on the floor. Buildings are dusty, and not in the best condition – which is really depressing. If you are expecting to see a computer in these institutions… forget it!
The picture here is taken at the Library in the Mani Bhavan, the building where the Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Bombay. Grace – many thanks for the recommendation it was great! Like the other libraries visited.. lots of card catalogues – and don’t expect them to comply to cataloging standards. Your basic title, author and if you are lucky year of publication and location. Visiting these places really makes you appreciate the libraries in which we work.
(Helen edited this text)
