Mummy, why can’t I stay here?
This was very elaborate on the inside.
Mumbai
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…
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)
Arrival in Mumbai…
After a very short flight we arrived in Mumbai (where I am typing this from). After the usual wait at the luggage carousel (only 5 minutes!), we located the person holding our names and where lead to a waiting point for the car. Now the airport has become privately owned in recent times and is going through a major expansion. Nothing like construction!.
Anyway, we were standing there waiting with our bags when a white hearse pulled up (that is the colour used by Indians). It looked much like a station wagan with a solid piece of glass along the window area, and on the windows were the words “Resting” in traditional old English style font. Through the window we could plainly see the coffin, which was red, with an embroidered trim and cross in the centre. Stuck midway down was an address label for where it was going , and a baggage check sticker.
Really didn’t expect to see that!
Bromptoneering or bust 