Exploring Mumbai

Though I have been born and raised in Mumbai, it’s very rare for me to go around sight-seeing in the city. This trip of mine wasn't exactly that but quite close.

My friend and I set out to explore the various "bazaars" of Mumbai, especially "Zaveri Bazaar". We had no clue where it is located, but getting directions is never an issue in Mumbai. While walking down the streets, we noticed that the heritage Victorian buildings were being re-touched.

We wandered past the Crawford market, which is a hub of wholesalers and retailers selling everything from artificial flowers, plastics, toys, stationeries etc. Just around this market, is the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule market which sells fresh farm produce, imported cheese, chocolates etc. The entire web of markets sprawls around the Jama Masjid, which is beautiful ancient Mosque. We paved our way through the narrow streets filled with people and lined with old dilapidated buildings. Surprisingly though, the entire place was cool and breezy even at 4 pm. We strolled past Mangaldas market, which is the largest indoor cloth and dress material market in Mumbai. And there was Zaveri Bazaar, the place we had been looking for all this while. Zaveri bazaar, the bullion market of Mumbai sees over Rs 100 crore business every day. The entire street gleams with gold and diamond jewellery displayed across a myriad of shops lined up on the street.

After wandering along for a while, I had some delicious juice from one of the juice stalls on the street. It was heavenly blend of carrot, beetroot, mint and Indian gooseberry priced at just Rs 15 with a refill included. I totally loved it. We also had some "Ragda pattice" (potato cutlets in spicy chickpea curry), which was very different from what we normally have. You can find numerous choices in food at unbelievable prices all across Mumbai.

Tired of walking, we then headed off to Marine lines, to watch the sunset. I couldn't help notice the striking difference between the two places, one pouring out of its seams with people rushing through the streets as though on an urgent mission while the other being plush, calm boundless with few people enjoying the view. It was indeed a great way to unwind. We strolled along the shore, which seemed like an endless stretch only to realize that we had walked all the way from Girgaum to Churchgate and then to CST where we boarded our train back.

I had never expected a visit to Mumbai could turn out to be so interesting.

Why?

Why does one have to get married? Why does a girl have to leave my parents? Why is a girl not treated equal to a guy? Why should she leave a perfect and blissful life? Why it's always the girl who has to adjust? Why is marriage a compromise only on the girl's side? Why?

Kudos to Kesari!!

Here I am. Back after a long long time. Well, this post is really special as I am just back from a vacation to Thailand. I find it worth mentioning that the entire tour organized by Kesari tours was totally amazing. It couldn't have been better. I am particularly impressed by the quality of service, the choice of hotels, the food, the people and the entire tour itinerary as such.

One of the highlights of the tour was the ease with which Kesari managed to take 34 women (of whom there were people who have never traveled alone) to a foreign land and give them the Thailand experience keeping in mind their origins. They managed to serve Indian food all over the trip for people who might not be able to adapt the Thai cuisine. At the sametime, they managed to win the hearts of the young women on board who preferred to experiment with Thai cuisine.

I am totally in love with their concept of "My fair lady" tours, which focus on women who have always lived their lives for others, giving sacrifices all along. These women who have always lived for their husbands and children finally get to live life their way in this tour. And trust me, it is an out and out hit. The tour has been carefully designed to suit the Indian woman and allows her enough outlets to be herself. The tours is filled with reasons to show off your talents via the various dance competitions, the fashion shows and the Paithani competition. The daily dress code and awards for the best dressed add excitement to each day. Truly, this tour helps a woman rediscover herself.

Another important highlight of the tour is Mr. Aadesh Bandekar, the highly popular Marathi TV celebrity especially among the women. He adds the celebrity touch to the tour. With his witty comments and jokes, he helps every woman break out of her own cocoon and truly enjoy herself.

I truly appreciate the sincere efforts of Kesari to make every moment of this tour memorable. Kudos to Kesari!!