Namaste.
I am overwhelmed by the colours, smells, warmth, people, sounds and general mayhem of Bombay. I love it here.
Although I've been amidst a whirl of first timer bliss, (thoroughly spoiled by my hosts) it's impossible to avoid the tension in the air since the attacks. Nor would a traveller want to ignore such an important thing as the political situation of a country one's visiting. Though I can see how ex-pat life does cocoon and protect you here.
War with Pakistan is bubbling so close to the surface, at a party on Saturday night a young man predicted it might happen in the next few weeks. With an election next year, a terrorist in custody and people braying for justice, this is clearly a very serious threat (and was so even before the attacks). Others completely disagree that it's so imminent, but most agree that it's more than likely.
Deep breaths.
I tried to visit the Gateway of India today and armed guards told me I couldn't get near it. It looked rather forlorn all cordoned off and alone, while photos I've seen are usually teeming with life. We passed Leopold Cafe (made famous by Shantaram) where a gunman opened fire and bullet holes are now part of the furnishings, it had a few people inside breathing new life into the area. A lot of the young Indians I met at this rocking rooftop party on Saturday night (thank you darling Bandana and Ravi for a fantastic eve!!) live near the Taj and were in the middle of the war zone. Some haven't slept a night through since.
There is so much to say on this subject but I am ill-equipped. I am a newbie and although I ask most people how they feel and what their experience was, everyone seems to have a very different reaction. The city does seem rather subdued, but the people are so warm and wonderful, they are appalled by what happened and pray that this will unite them, not divide.
Time to wrap myself up in my first sari, as it's time for the real wedding now.
We're off to Juhu. More soon.
Shanti.
I am overwhelmed by the colours, smells, warmth, people, sounds and general mayhem of Bombay. I love it here.
Although I've been amidst a whirl of first timer bliss, (thoroughly spoiled by my hosts) it's impossible to avoid the tension in the air since the attacks. Nor would a traveller want to ignore such an important thing as the political situation of a country one's visiting. Though I can see how ex-pat life does cocoon and protect you here.
War with Pakistan is bubbling so close to the surface, at a party on Saturday night a young man predicted it might happen in the next few weeks. With an election next year, a terrorist in custody and people braying for justice, this is clearly a very serious threat (and was so even before the attacks). Others completely disagree that it's so imminent, but most agree that it's more than likely.
Deep breaths.
I tried to visit the Gateway of India today and armed guards told me I couldn't get near it. It looked rather forlorn all cordoned off and alone, while photos I've seen are usually teeming with life. We passed Leopold Cafe (made famous by Shantaram) where a gunman opened fire and bullet holes are now part of the furnishings, it had a few people inside breathing new life into the area. A lot of the young Indians I met at this rocking rooftop party on Saturday night (thank you darling Bandana and Ravi for a fantastic eve!!) live near the Taj and were in the middle of the war zone. Some haven't slept a night through since.
There is so much to say on this subject but I am ill-equipped. I am a newbie and although I ask most people how they feel and what their experience was, everyone seems to have a very different reaction. The city does seem rather subdued, but the people are so warm and wonderful, they are appalled by what happened and pray that this will unite them, not divide.
Time to wrap myself up in my first sari, as it's time for the real wedding now.
We're off to Juhu. More soon.
Shanti.
2 comments:
Hello cutie.
So lovely to read your words to hear your voice and picture you running around, experiencing and exploring India.
Have a fantastic time and I look forward to your next entry.
Love you,
Lil bro
great to hear of your adventures. proud father
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