Day 2

On my second day, I used the services of almost all modes of transportation that Mumbai offers to its citizens. The Red coloured Best buses add to the colour of the city. I started my day by getting onto one of the BEST buses. We took it till Borivali railway station. As I had to go to Fort, we had no  other option but to take the local train. And I was all prepared for it.

We had already avoided the rush hour from 6 in the morning till 11. So it was almost a pleasant experience in the local. I also got the concept of Fast and Slow locals. It was such a nightmarish thought when I used to think about boarding a local train, but getting face to face with it today cleared of my head all my apprehensions. It wasn't as crowded as I had imagined.

At Churchgate, I discovered that there are no auto rickshaws that ferry passengers instead there are taxis, black and yellow in colour. My excitement level shot up when I spotted a Fiat black and yellow taxi. It isn't the car you would find in Delhi, not even as taxis. What a visual delight!!

 This was about the various modes of transportation. Now coming to the city, I must admit I am still awed by the city. In fact I am in love with this city that looks so vibrant , so lively. All its tall buildings feel as if they are keeping a watch over you and nothing could go wrong. 

Today I visited the South of Mumbai. And, what traces we have of the colonial times! You get transported back in time when the Britishers had them constructed and ruled over us. You also get taken away to a more Westernized part of the city. While roaming around I could almost feel that I was in England except that the population and the environment kept reminding me of Mumbai. I saw almost all of the tourist places. Beginning with Jehangir Art Gallery, Prince of Wales museum (of which we saw only the exteriors as it had got closed by that time), we then walked down till the Gateway which was closed for the public because of some ceremony of the Indian Navy, and right in front of the Gateway stood the TajMahal hotel, that still rings the memory of terrorist strike. We then hailed a taxi and went till Nariman Point. I was and I am still mesmerised with the skyscrapers. Just so many of them! We then walked down till the Marine Drive. My dream had finally come true. I had been dying to come to Marine Drive. Although I have been to a better version in Nice, Promenade des Anglais, but this had its own charm. Walking straight till Churchgate, I realised it was time we got back home. 

On my way back, we boarded the ladies compartment of the local train. While sitting there, it seemed I had already used its services since long. The pleasant experience of city's lifeline has instilled such confidence in me, I guess I could make use of its services on my own (not so certain about the peak hours though) 

I had a beautiful day in a dynamic, electrifying and animated city. And yes I am enamoured!!