Mumbai anyone?

A huge metropolis it was back then and even bigger now. Some things have no doubt changed since I last lived there, nevertheless, happy memories remain for me.

When I lived there, a few decades back, it used to be known as Bombay, located on the west coast of India and the hub of cosmopolitan activity. When people I know visit Mumbai now, there are mixed reactions. Some are totally revolted by the pollution, noise and traffic. Others are fascinated by the diversity, people and food. These days, I love hearing those reactions and then, take myself way back into a life lived in Bombay.

Places I remember well in Bombay are:
Mazagon Hill: a hill to the north of the Dockyard Road Station with beautiful gardens atop it. Children played in these gardens, there was a lovely playground with swings, teeter toters and slides. All along the walking paths, were benches to sit on and reflect, listen to birds, smell the fragrance of jasmine blossoms or eat the snacks our parents sent with us.

Bharat Dairy and Juice: I believe this place was located somewhere near the Colaba district. My father brought us here sometimes for a treat. We didn't own a car but he would rent a taxi to take the two of us there in pomp and splendor. We sat on these high bar stools and watched the man behind the counter concoct the most amazing drinks with fresh fruit, icecream and flavours. Yum!

Regal Cinema: Also located in the Colaba district, I loved sitting in this massive air-conditioned old style movie theatre with it's dark wood interior and satin furnishings. It is one of Bombay's first art deco style cinema. While the blazing heat melted the tar on the streets, I chose to sit in these plush seats, cool as a cucumber, munching away at some salted and spiced snack while my eyes were glued to the screen.

Marine Drive: The walk along this drive is lined with palm trees and the cool breeze blows over from the Indian ocean. We saw some awesome sunsets while sitting on the wall below which extended the beach. Sometimes at nights, my family and I would walk along a higher point from where we could see the Marine Drive stretched before us. All lit up, it truly looked like a string of pearls from which it got it's name 'Queen's Necklace'.

Chowpatty Beach

This beach was never as famous as Juhu Beach in the suburbs of Bombay but still my favourite hangout as a young child and later, as a teenager. In the evening, the atmosphere is much like a carnival. Oh yes, you can expect to ride a ferris wheel, check out some guy doing monkey tricks or else, take a pony ride. My favorite of course, were all the yummy snack stands selling the popular Indian snack bhelpuri - puffed rice and semolina with other spicy and tangy ingredients, served on a crispy flatbread called puri. Sometimes, we were lucky to watch a film being shot. Bollywood seemed to like Chowpatty Beach for settings.

I could go on and on about the sights and scenes that come to my mind when I think of Bombay, now called Mumbai. It brings joy to my heart and tears to my eyes but most of all, it fills me with a deep gratitude to have such memories of my past.

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