Bit of a Blog : Rhapsody : B2B : Singapore - Dubai - Istanbul : May 3rd 2015

[NorbertsNiece]

 

Poverty on the streets is much more blatant and distressing with babies and little children living in harsh environments.

 

 

 

 

 

Boarding at the rear and dismounting at the front. There is a fare collector.

 

[happy trailer]

 

You're never far from a cow in Mumbai it seems

 

 

A sweet reflection on all those cows you've seen:

 

http://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/everyone-should-see-this-side-of-cattle.php

 

:)!

[NorbertsNiece]

 

Like cows, technology is not far away

 

 

We ride along the sea front

 

 

Pass the aquarium

 

 

A vast expanse of beach..... deserted

 

 

Edited May 23, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

 

We walk to Mani Bhavan, Ghanidji's residence in Bombay 1917 - 1934. He launched Satyagraha (insistence on truth) from here in 1919; with a view to defying the Indian Press Act Ghandhiji began issuing an unregistered weekly bulletin called Satyagrahi.

 

 

 

 

Already aching my heart is totally smitten by this image

 

 

Edited May 23, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Didn't really want to break the flow but this just happened......

 

 

And here we are courtesy of Constanze on Quantum

 

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Edited May 23, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

I had a bit too much to drink last night.

 

1 Martini and lemonade was a bit too much. That's all it takes.

 

I may have an apology to make later.

 

Here's today's Compass

DAY 8 RH Cruise Compass, At Sea, May 24.indd.pdf

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

i seek out this letter specifically

 

 

 

This room used to be the living and working room and has been preserved as far as possible in its original setting with his spinning wheels.

 

[NorbertsNiece]

The life of Mahatma Gandhi is illustrated in very many display cases with the story portrayed in miniature with explanations.

 

Here are a few

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

Gandhi was assassinated on January 30th, 1948, on his way to address a prayer meeting

 

 

 

The visit to this museum really had a profound affect on my emotions; if you come to Mumbai do pay a visit : 19 Laburnum Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai.

[NorbertsNiece]

i am now sat in the back of a very old taxi.....

 

 

 

 

We are taken to lunch in a local 'snack' restaurant frequented by workers

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

By the time we've finished dining the restaurant is full and there are people waiting to be seated.

 

 

 

 

 

Our guide chose for us and demonstrated how the different dishes should be eaten

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

Back on our walkabout

 

Edited May 24, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

 

Street crossing continues to be a challenge. We are heading to a market.

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

We are headed towards a train station

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Currently sat in a lecture about the history / build of the Suez Canal

 

On the train in Mumbai contd :

 

 

 

 

We have travelled 2 stops; fortunately this was not the rush hour. The sign is based on that of the London Underground.

 

 

A much larger dhobi ghat (laundry) than the one we visited in Cochin

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

As I recall the workers are mostly migrants from elsewhere in India. They live in the shacks above where they work.

 

 

We are now in out final mode of transport.... an air conditioned van.... much relief.... we make a quick stop at a small Starbucks....

 

 

Victoria Station, otherwise known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. We don't actually get to go into this fine example of Gothic architecture.

 

 

 

Edited May 24, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

Municipal building nearby

 

 

 

We go to get our currency changed. This is the only tour where we've had to pay in Rupees. Currency may only be obtained from an authorised currency exchange.... this is in a tiny mall.... a musical instrument shop

 

Edited May 24, 2015 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Sailaway from Mumbai.... looking at the failed sunset pics... they remind me how humid it was as the camera lens immediately fogged up when I popped out from the MDR to grab a shot

 

 

 

 

Was a truly memorable, extraordinary and unique day

------

 

The room steward's cart has cards with affirmations on

 

 

Roll call slot pull....we were given use of the tournament machines..... only 2 others turned up for this cruise's game.

 

 

Non GF petits fours

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Whilst they were unable to sell Rupees RCL will now buy them.....

 

 

Happy birthday Ron, kicking off those Dubai pics for you..... if you all recall I had a fraught couple of days so my pics don't really do it justice nor does my acquired knowledge. I can confirm that it was hot, very very hot but a much drier heat than India so for me more bearable. Book to go up the Burj Khalifa at sunset..... pics I've seen of others doing that look amazing..... also the fountain show at the Dubai Mall is meant to be spectacular and also missed by me.

 

The sail in was wonderful

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

Our terminal

 

[NorbertsNiece]

We're near the flight path for the International Airport....

 

 

Trying to establish a gangway

 

 

 

Again it's not going to happen

 

 

We get a red carpet

 

 

An ultra modern terminal with free wifi

 

[Spring]

Thanks Linda x

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

The heat that hits you as you step outside is almost stifling. Hoho buses and free Mall shuttles to the right..... they don't go to either of the extremely large malls. If there's a shop you specifically want to find I suggest you ask Google first. The Hard Rock Cafe, For example, is only at the Festival Mall which is across a toll bridge.

 

 

There are plenty of cabs to be had. They are not cheap. Depending on the time of day a 20 minute ride to the Dubai Mall, for example, can be in the region of 25 - 30 Dirhams.

 

 

 

I am now reunited with my friend. We've not seen each other for 13 years. Much to catch up on. Pics from a very comfortable a/c car

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 24, 2015 by NorbertsNiece