Quirky Ways of Mumbai

Idea has been playing in my mind for quite a while...

1. I walk past by neatly lined up people of different ages and professions at sweaty and small BEST bus stops. The youngest member of the Bus hopping clan is at the top of the line if he is the first passenger and eager to depart to his destination.The oldest member might be the last one to be trodden in the line if he is too late.  I arrive at the local stations with bustling energies of people from all walks of life. Before the train comes to a screeching halt, humans are divided into 2 sects. The one waiting to get out and the ones trying to get in ! And this battle of life every local has the fortune to witness. Usually the to be departed crowd outperform the to be arrived human race.  People push, swear, tear clothes and shout almost patriotic slogans to encourage their side of people who are in the front! Such discord can exists only in Mumbai in perfect harmony.

2. I stroll on the pathways of shopping alleys in Mumbai, hill road, fashion streets or anywhere near any station, I hear "puch,pch,pch.." lucid sounds on and off. I look back and discover that's how mumbai Janta are called by Mumbai Janta on the streets and among the public. Fascinating!

3. I stand on the alley between the seats inside the local where 80 % of the population stand while travelling. A very beautiful, suave and modern looking young girl , eyes peeping behind the expensive Rayban and the right hand holding the elegant looking purse with posh. Another girl standing in front of me , at the other side of the alley, in brightly clad salwar kameez and face hidden by a scarf embossing prints most commonly available on fashion street. Both these exotic lasses shopping for various girly items like hair bands, earrings etc with the local vendor. Another one from the inside of the locals!

4. I see young/middle aged couples on the smelly and black slimy rocks at Bandstand establishing their cocoons over the expanse of the sea view must be best seen from the walled courtyards and balcony of the famous Bollywood actor. Each one imitating the young and vivacious "Khullam Khulla pyaar karenge" epic act by Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh. Marine drive, Worli Sea face and new developed sea view before the worli sea link are also getting popular among the love bugged ppl desperate for intimate scenes in wide public view. Reliving the Bollywood romance on the streets of Mumbai!

5. I ask passersby "Bhaiya, how far is Siddhivinayak temple from here?", "Bas 5 min aage"....I keep walking another 15-20 mins more with no sight of my destination and getting the same replies from each person I stop and ask to verify the information given by the previous one! Apparently people do walk a lot around here and the distance and time metrics is on a different scale than an average person!

I m still exploring the city and I assure myself to be adjusted to these antiques with ease and little time. :)