15 Apr 10 Incredible India!

We arrived into Mumbai on 10th April, a little later than expeted, but still we made it. The first hurdle was getting a taxi to the centre of Mumbai (Colaba & Fort). We spotted the prepaid taxi stand pretty early on so that was a huge bonus. What we didn’t see was the hundreds of yellow and black, 70’s throw back, taxi’s sitting outside. Seriously, these taxis looked as stable as a 3 wheel Robin Reliant, however these did have 4 wheels so I guess they could charge a couple of extra Rupees. We’d paid for a non-AC car, which looking back may not have been the brightest idea. With our bags strapped to the roof of Mr Bean’s car, we were off.

We had 2 nights, 3 days in Mumbai. If you’re thinking of going that really is enough to soak in the huge culture shock; thousands of people on the streets, men holding hands, the smell of street food - very exciting but also very overpowering. During our time there we managed to visit Chowpatty beach, The Gateway to India, The Taj Palace & Hotel, The Victoria Terminus (now CST - the famous train station you see in Slumdog Millionaire) and the University of Mumbai.

Although Mumbai clearly has it’s own culture and rhythm, there are huge portions of British heritage here. For starters the architecture is definately British, they have a McDonalds (oh that’s American, damn), they play cricket everywhere from the greens to the roads (I don’t think Cricket is British either, I’ll Wiki it!).

Whilst at the Victoria Train Station we tried to book an overnight train to Goa, however the trains were fully booked. So full infact, they actually had a waiting list for spaces… that’s mad. Instead, in a moment of stupidity that we’d soon come to regret, we took an overnight bus. If you’re ever given the opportunity to go on an overnight bus in India, DONT! Firstly the drivers are maniacs, you’re forever speeding up just to slam on the brakes; secondly, you are sleeping length ways so your body slides with every acceleration, corner and stop and last of all, you don’t sleep a bit.

We arrived in Goa in one piece (surprisingly). We opted to stay in Canbolim, the beaches here are beautiful, the people are friendly and the food is great. Jackie has been really ill though, with a touch of flu and a bit of Delhi belly. I’m sure I’m next. Despite this we have managed to visit Fort Aguada, Anjuna, Baga and many beaches.