Sunday 24 August 2014

And then the Prime Minister came to town..

Our eyes turned wider the further down in Colaba we drove .. There we were - in the back seat of the car cruising down the street - but where was the usual vibrant Colaba causeway scenery? No shops open. Hardly any people around. Cafes closed. Stalls closed. Streets closed. Only police. Heavy armed police in their khaki uniform and soldiers with bullet proof vests.

- The prime minister is in the area, they told us. Yes, it turned out that India's prime minister Narendra Modi was also in Colaba that Saturday morning, so what did we do? Well, I for one, suppressed my instant urge to drag up my camera. I politely listened to advice given to me - and I did not start to click pictures of that highly unfamiliar scenery...

And in the end - what a beautiful perfect south-Mumbai day it became....

We strolled around, viewed some sights, architecture, green spots, did some shopping, had a good lunch and lots of good laughs. And with my enthusiastic friend Alice - we also decided it was high time we had our names written on a grain of rice. And ta ta: a new key chain for 20 rupees... How awesome art is that?:-)


And after a good lunch and some parsi refreshments (with a guarantee: contains no fruit:-))...

... we were still in an artistic mood, so we decided to pop by one of the many amazing Art Galleries that are in this part of Mumbai. Great decision! So many young artists showcased their work, and I got hung up in this one painting: "Fairies taking away the books". The artist, Shahed Pasha, was there himself and it was so fun to talk with him.

And then - what could be a better way of ending the day - than on my good friend's balcony - sipping a cup of tea, chat, and watch an amazing day turn to evening in this way...:


PS: And if you have been wondering throughout this whole post what on earth the Prime Minister was doing in Mumbai on that particular Saturday - check out Times Of India:-) Wouldn't want to leave you sleepless dear reader:-)

Hope you had a good weekend and I wish you a good start of the week:-) We have the amazing Ganesha festival coming up- and for me also some traveling... Stay tuned:-)

Ta ta from Mumbai!

18 comments:

  1. Sounds like a wonderful day - and I love the idea of your name on a grain of rice! How fun. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

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  2. Dearest Eli,
    That is an unexpected bonos for being near a high ranking state official! It is a very different feeling for facing all the extra security but very worth while living it for once, or on a few occasions. We have had the opportunity a few times to be with state heads; in Australia and in Indonesia...
    Happy new week.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. That is true dear Mariette. Thanks for sharing. As always - so happy to see your kind words here:-) Hugs to you

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  3. That painting is beautiful. What a thought! Liked that peek into your day Eli.

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    1. Thanks, so happy you liked it dear Tulika:-) Hugs

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  4. looks like u guys had a lovely day..
    lovely clicks esp last 2...

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  5. Such a perfect day! Sometimes, having many shops closed -- and fewer people -- helps you really *see* and experience the area, doesn't it?

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    1. Yes, dear Cindi - that was what we experienced exactly - perfect indeed:-) Big hugs to you my friend

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  6. Hello Maam,
    Fort is my daily route to my office BSE
    Fantastic Clicks - and yeahh eagerly waiting for my favourite god Ganpati (Do visit Lalbaugh, I do every year)
    Thanks for sharing your clicks
    Have a fantastic day ahead
    Regards
    Bhavikk shah

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    1. Thank you so much Bhavikk - and thanks for sharing:-) Yes, great celebrations these days! Enjoy! Always so happy to see your kind words:-) All the best

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  7. Woah! Eli! It's like a dream to see SoBo minus all the chaos and so serenely peaceful. Love the shots:)

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    1. Yes, completely different scenery in your Mumbai that day:-) Happy you liked it and thanks for your kind words

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  8. What an enjoyable day you must have had! Just reading your account is so enjoyable. I am happy you got your name written on a grain of rice. I had a key chain like that many years ago, wonder where it has gone! That's a very cool painting there. The sunset pictures are lovely, what a perfect end to a perfect day :)

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    1. Thank you dear Beloo! I always get so happy reading your kind words here:-) So happy you enjoyed:-) Hugs your way

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  9. Ah, you had an amazing day it seems, Eli. Yeah, I know the whole scene when the PM even passes by. Staying in Ahmedabad and working for Gujarat Government gave me ample opportunities for that.

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    1. I can imagine:-) Thanks for sharing dear Jyotsna- happy to see you here:-) Hugs

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