18. Bombay Meri Jaan

Just returned from Mumbai after spending 3 days getting yellow fever shots, visiting the Ghana consulate, catching up with a few friends (and not being able to with most), revisiting a few places and seeing a couple of places which we had missed when we stayed there.

Discovered the Sassoon Docks! Seeing the fluttering colourful flags from Rita’s flat were such a delightful, festive sight, I just had to go and explore it up close. Built by David Sassoon in 1875, on reclaimed land, the Sassoon Docks is the oldest dock in Mumbai and the only one still open to the public.

The entrance to the docks

Off time view of the docks

View from the docks

View from the docks

Early morning view of the docks when it is choc-a-bloc with buyers and sellers. Amazing sight, sound and smell!

You can see Oyster Island mimicking a ship in the distance.

Boats and more boats and a colorful pile of fishing nets

On the last day Rita took us to see what we had been wanting to but was not able to for a long time – the FLAMINGOS! on the mud flats of Sewri. So early Saturday we were off to see them. But nothing had prepared me for the sight! I was only carrying a small cyber shot camera so the picures are rather average but the impression they made on my mind is indelible. If you are in Mumbai and haven’t seen them yet – now is the time.

Hear the birds and see them do a bit of the Flamenco to rustle up the creatures hiding in the mud.