Goodbye Mumbai, Hello Dehli

Goodbye Mumbai... Hello Delhi!

Today was the last day in Mumbai.  We began today with a long and adrenaline-filled bike tour through the streets of Mumbai.  With the exception of vacation last year, I had not ridden a bicycle for over a decade, and I was a bit nervous – especially to be traveling in Bombay traffic in which no cars obey any sort of traffic laws.

Caption: This image is deceptive, as it appears as though the cars are in lanes.  99.99% of the time, the cars are not in any sort of lane; rather, they weave in and out, honking their horn as they please.  This also goes for motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians.  The streets = perpetual chaos.

Back to the bike tour.  We began this trek at 5:30a.m. and ended at 10:45a.m.  We traveled all across the city and saw various facets of industry, common marketplaces, and other religious sites.  Below are pictures from the tour:

Caption: A common occurrence: cows on the street.

Caption: The oldest Christian church in Mumbai.

Caption: Men assembling the daily newspapers for delivery.

Caption: The famous and beautiful Mumbai Train Station.

Caption: Entering Crawford Market – where many fruits, vegetables, and meats are sold daily.

Caption: The Jama Masjid of Mumbai – one of the largest mosques in India.

Caption: Mumbai’s coastline

Caption: A man on the beach wall

Caption: Beautiful urban gardens on our tour.

Caption: Look Ma – one hand!  This was taken while riding…

We concluded with a breakfast in a small shop and traveled back to the hostel to pack and leave for our afternoon flight to Delhi.   Although I found myself excited to move on to another city in hopes of escaping trash, overcrowding, and poor infrastructure, I noticed a bit of sadness as I packed my belongings for the airport.

Caption: Awaiting the bus outside our YMCA Hostel.

Before we traveled to the airport, we made a stop for lunch at a delicious BBQ Grill restaurant with OSU Alumni.  We had great conversation with them, heard their perspectives on India, and connected as Buckeyes.  OH!

Finally, we were on our way to the airport. We made it in time for our flight (barely – it’s hard to coordinate a group of 20 people flying!) and arrived safely to Delhi.  I finished the day taking my first rickshaw (car with 3 wheels) and dinner in a McDonald’s.

Caption: View from the rickshaw.

Caption: My first rickshaw ride!

Caption: Sometimes, there’s nothing better than chicken nuggets and French fries!

So long, Mumbai.  Delhi, I hope you’re as interesting and educational as Mumbai has been!