'Chumi de de, chumi de de (kiss me),' I sung with the biggest grin on my face. I learnt this romantic Bollywood song a few days ago during Holi in Mumbai, thanks to my Indian friend Sweety. She taught me some Hindi phrases and how to dance Bollywood style. This has been of great use... Continue Reading →
At the moment I am writing this from a 17 hour overnight train journey from Mumbai to Udipur. I am in an air-conditioned two tier carriage on the upper berth. I managed to get a good night's sleep and am now awaiting my arrival. Top tips for train travel in Mumbai: Buying the ticket -... Continue Reading →
In parts of India women are not seen out in the evening, their skin must be covered in public and they generally stay at home playing the dutiful wife. However, Mumbai is very westernised and women seem to have more freedom. Many wear western style clothes and go out at night to party. Being a... Continue Reading →
Mumbai is manic. There is never a dull moment. From walking the hectic streets to tucking into street food at a vendor's stall there is always something to do or see at all hours of the day. One evening we wanted a chai tea. It did not matter that it was late at night. We... Continue Reading →
In India, once a year the county is greeted with colour during the Holi festival. I was fortunate enough to be in Mumbai when Holi was being celebrated.The day began on the rooftop at Basti hostel where we were plastered from head to toe in paint. We threw paint at each other as well as... Continue Reading →
I jumped on the busy train at Santa Cruz station, which is near Basti hostel and made my way to Borivali - North of where I am staying. From there I needed to find the ferry port Gorai. I was told the easiest way was by tuck tuck. A man in a light brown uniform... Continue Reading →
Waking up early, I decided I would set off before the sun reached its peak. Following advice from the lovely staff at Basti hostel I went on a 20 to 30 minute walk to the nearby beach. School children lined up for registration outside, while their teachers spoke through a megaphone. Adults were speed walking... Continue Reading →
'Are there any festivals coming up?' I cheerily asked the taxi driver, hoping to spark up a conversation. He mumbled something inaudible. I looked hopefully at him in the mirror and he shook his head, while smiling. The elderly man dressed in a long white shirt and lose cream trousers clearly spoke no English and... Continue Reading →
'Please mind the gap between the train and the platform,' the conductor bellows in monotone every morning at 8.00 am. Shortly after a swarm of commuters push past, leaving me squished up against the tube window. As the doors open at each stop, people spill out of the train as if a pot has just... Continue Reading →
Clinging onto my red, 9ft surf board I waded out into the sea battling against the harsh waves. The luke-warm water pounded against my shins, thighs and eventually my chest as I got further away from the shoreline. To my right dramatic mountains jutted out into the bright blue sky. A scattering of white wispy... Continue Reading →
We are going on a bear hunt 