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The journey to Mumbai from udaipur was pretty awful, we ended up getting an overnight coach because we couldn't get a ticket for the train. We paid for a sleeper compartment with a/c so we managed to get a bit of sleep but that's where the positives ended. There was no toilet on the bus and the journey was 14 hours and very bumpy, the traffic is just as crazy on the highways and 'new horn' syndrome is just as common. At one point we overtook a pickup truck with 20 people hanging off the side of it doing about 60mph!
We eventually arrived in Mumbai and what a great city it is. We stayed right in the centre, in the church gate area. It's more like a western city with its layout but its still hot and busy just like Delhi. Just walking around the place is a spectacle, there are many majestic buildings most of which were built by the British and have since been restored. Google 'Victoria terminus Mumbai' and you'll see a huge palace like building, which is in fact a train station! We got up on Saturday morning and took a walk and stumbled across 'Oval maiden'. Which is a large grass recreational area, all of which is used for amateur league cricket right in the middle of the city centre. Needless to say I was quite jealous of the location, maybe Broadbottom cc can do a tour there one day. We stopped to watch a few overs anyway.
I need to mention the hotel we stayed in, it was the 'residency fort'. There are very few hotels in the centre of Mumbai that are reasonably priced, but this was one. The staff were very helpful and I'd certainly recommend it.
After 3 nights we took the 'Konkan express' to Goa. It's a night train but the only tickets available were for 1st class. But you have to realise this is Indian first class, so whilst it was a good journey; for double the price the only extras are a door and a bit more space! All be it a far better option than the coach.
We're in Goa now staying in great accommodation in Benaluim (palm grove cottages). It's a totally different vibe down here; it's the beach life so we're staying a week to get over all the hectic cities we've been too!
We visited a children's charity yesterday in Mapusa called the Mango tree trust'. We donated gifts, books, a cricket set etc which we bought the day before. The specialise in taking kids upto 6 years old out of the slums and providing them with clothes and pre school education. We visited a class of 25 kids which was really good to see.
We've been eating freshly caught fish every night at the Hotel restaurant and its the best sea food we've ever had. The tourist season is really quiet here so we've had the restaurant to ourselves for the last 3 nights! We've also tried 'jackfruit' for the first time (I'd never heard of it before), its a weird looking fruit but tastes really sweet.
We're heading south towards Kerala in a few days, stopping over in Mangalore for one night.
- comments
jennifer watts Great blog again you two. Some of the journeying aside, you seem to be having really great experiences. I'm sure, as you say, after the hectic cities you have been to, that a little bit of quieter beach life would be very welcome. Hope the weather is still holding up for you. No doubt the children at the Mango Tree were delighted to receive the gifts you took for them, what a lovely thing to do. Going to check out the Victoria Terminus in Mumbai now. Keep the blogs coming. Take care and enjoy yourselves. Lmdx
David Whitfield We know the palm grove hotel, it is within walking distance of our flat. Glad you enjoyed Mumbai, but that's the posh bit Try the canals in Kerala, go for three hours at least Dave
Jennie Oooh I hope you weren't too traumatised by the bus experience, its all character building after all.... We've watched the cricket at "Oval Maiden" in Bombay many times but didn't have clue that it had a name so thank you for that info. We know Palm Grove very well but we've never eaten there. Maybe we will next time. Looking forward to your next blog about Kerela. नमस्ते
nicola keys Hi Andy sounds like your both having a great time !! hows the Tans going ?? missing you works not the same without you ! take care and im looking forward to your next installment , and pics please keep safe xx