David Waumsley Travels

Not the usual travel post, but we could not resist including our own photos of one of the national news events during our stay in India. Seemingly, most of the press were supporting the helmet awareness rally organised by the Mumbai police and led by a team of senior state ministers on motorbikes.

There’s no doubting that wearing helmets saves lives and that (although illegal) a good proportion of motorcylist don’t. The main dissincentivite for both riders and their passengers (aside from cost and religious headwear) is the discomfort of wearing a helmet in the Indian heat. Fortunately, those involved in this demonstration at Nariman Point were sensible enough to block off the road, wait till the sun was setting and to ride only 10 mins next to the cool breeze of the Arabian sea.

The best part of the event for us was the sight of two policemen riding pillion (5 minutes behind the main procession) without their helmets. I’m guessing with all of Mumbai’s Senior Police ahead of them these two escaped a fine this time! Apologies, we were laughing too hard to get to the camera in time.

Mr and Mrs Waumsley proudly presents our little wedding – almost live and uncut. Thanks to Father Emmanuel for the camera work.

Also a huge thanks to all of you for your kind comments, cards and gifts. Debbie and I are so very touched.

The flight with Air India was a positive experience (London Heathrow – Mumbai). Admittedly, our flight was changed twice before setting off and the 727 did not have the latest individual screen entertainment. But Air India gives more leg space than most airlines making a huge difference to us bigger fellows who like a kip.

Arriving at 2 am we transfered to our pre-booked hotel “The Sun and Sheel” located near to both the airport and Debbie’s (wife to be) parents. All looked fine on the internet for budget accommodation (Rs 3000 inc taxes) but was a dirty flea pit with iron shutters protecting the hotel by night. Do not go there! We quickly swapped this for the Ashwin Hotel a few blocks up in Marol (Rs 3,600 inc. taxes). It was much brighter, cleaner and cooler.
Hotel Ashwin
Marol Naka M.M. Road
Ahdheri (E) Mumbai – 400059.
Phone 2920 0945/5285 or 2920 7267/7269.
The only down side was that our room could not pick up their wifi.

Our first days have all been about getting the wedding organised – just minor details like the reception venue our rings and clothes!. However the highlights of our free time in Mumbai (apart from “the wife” looking half crazed wearing a handkerchief on her head – something to do with the sun she says) were:

• Juhu Beach (see early post for the kind of beach food you can get there)
• Debbie’s Mum’s crab curry
• Crazy Mumbia travel by auto rickshaw and the Indian Taxis (they are more like bumper cars than dodgems)
• Nariman Point (The commercial heart of Mumbai).
• Escaping to Goa (see next post)

Debbie is from Mumbai but still spend much her time saying “HOW MUCH!”. The prices have shot up here and compared to most Asian cities Mumbai is expensive. She has still not recovered from spending Rs 359 on 2 black coffees at
Mocha Coffee & Conversation
82 Nagin Mahal
Veer Nariman Rd
Churchgate.
It is worth it for the novelty of watching India’s youngest, brightest and perhaps wealthiest smoking infused tobacco from the big cylinders with attached pipes.

India, and particularly congested Mumbai, in May is a bit more challenging as this it the hottest time of the year and the locals that are still working are grumpier than usual – Much to our amusement.

Yes dear reader, my single life is coming to an end…. and the fun is finally about to begin (oh, you cynics how could you!). This (sometimes slow loading) map below is still work in progress. Click on it to get more information. Hopefully we will be broadcasting some of the day (probably the reception) on the live cam page. The wedding is taking place at 13:00 India time (07:30 UK time).

Only 2 weeks to go (12th May 20008) and we shall be in India. I’m feeling hungry just thinking about it.