Last 5 Days In Bombay

Bombay

Parismita Goswami

A modern city is built on the ruins of 100-1000 years of history.

Nothing amazes me more than its art, architecture, landscape, culture, and existence in the postmodern era.

My last trip to Bombay, what we call today Mumbai- ‘the city of dreams’ or ‘the city that never sleeps.’

Gerald Aungier(1699-1677 AD) founded Bombay in May 1661. It came under the possession of the British empire as a part of a marriage treaty.

From Marathas to Mughals to British, Bombay remains a dream city for many aspiring individuals today.

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Lying calmly on the seagull shores of the Arabian Sea facing the Taj to cafes and bars like Leopold. But, 26/11 was not quite for this city.

Every city retains its own story.

As a sightseer, I try to perceive, explore and experience the best of everything they offer.

I offer myself another chance to open up to something enchanting, intellectually and spiritually enhancing.

My Travelogue:

Mumbai has hypnotized every soul that resides and visits with its charisma and charm.

In real life and reel life.

Bombay ki baarish, romance, cinema or songs, everyone had a hazy image of this city, but once you land, you will see it as pretty as pictures.

The images of big buildings and slums, the contrasting world exists like twin brothers. While talking about life in bombay, I felt like sharing a few lines from beautiful poem on Bombay I read recently:

“Barefoot at twilight I walk the shores of Bombay,
balmy breeze sings me folklores of Bombay;
I watch Kolis drink and mend their nets at eve,
toes curl’d soaking in the cores of Bombay;
Smell of dried Bombil not a welcome to many,
yet foodies flock the eatery doors of Bombay;
Humid and sultry is the climate coastal,
Monsoons bring alive the shores of Bombay….”

Bombay (a Ghazal Poem)

Day 1: Reached Mumbai and enjoyed the skyscrapers and city lights from the 11th floor.

Day 2: When you come to know a city, you will fall in love with it. Travel is to know people, their cuisine, culture, and jokes. Going to Mumbai meant eating vada pav and dabeli, enjoying the infinite view of the sea from Marine drive to shop at Colaba and sip coffee either at Leopold
or Mondegar, and having dinner at Bademiya.
That’s what I do, never leave a place before enjoying its authenticity and favorite stops. Live in that city like those people living there. Enjoy the company of many others along with you but in solitude.

Day 3: Headed Alibag, a coastal town in Maharashtra. I was with my cousins cum friends, and we decided to take the sea route.

The captivating shores and waves of the Arabian Sea left me mesmerized. Surrounded by the blues and loud acoustic sound of the ship horns was a different feeling altogether. The roads and smell of the sea after reaching Alibaug reminded me of Pondicherry.
The thing about coastal towns is that they are very distinguished. Localities and seafood, trees from both sides are covering lanes and the breeze. Something fresh and delicate. The more I visit places and get to know people, the more I surrender myself to nature.

Day 4: Returning to Mumbai. Our cruise got canceled, but we were lucky to experience the local jetty. And, the picturesque is a lifetime experience. Especially while approaching the waterfront at Apollo Bunder area with the view of the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal of Mumbai.
The return journey was so much more than mere luxury. Seagulls and the wind, something urged my inner soul to manifest. I closed my eyes and manifested facing the sea and witnessing the beauty of the cold breeze.

Winds whispered into my ears to let it go and lay more bricks of love, hope, compassion, and peace. We, humans, are just small entities existing in the vast world. Our biggest mistake is we think nature is subordinate to us, and it’s absolutely not true.
Preach and pray to nature and bow down to them where god gives you a chance. Manifest amidst the blue or green of Mother Earth.

Day 5: Spent the evening with a cup of coffee in Bandra and enjoyed the sunset. Hoping our good days, good health, and bond last forever. It was Dussehra, and we decided to let go of negativity and evils by confessing and promising each other.

Until Next Time

Life is short, and so are these moments. Running after a salary and stress, we all tend to overlook things we are blessed with. Human connections and beautiful bonds, be it with family, friends, loved ones, or nature.

This trip was a much needed one underlying the fact that taking a break from regular life and professionalism is essential for the soul, health, and mental growth. I couldn’t cover everything as it was a short trip. But, before I left with kisses and hugs and a bag full of local delicacies, shopping and hugs, and until next time, Mumbai.

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