OK, I'm off in a few weeks to Mumbai on a business trip. Anyone been? Any advice on the major tourist sites to see? Any places to find some bargains (for example, a pashmina for the wife)? Any restaurants? much appreciated......
I will ask my wife and get back to you in a few days. She spent about four months there a couple of years ago. Not to put a damper on your trip, but I hope you're prepared for the rampant homelessness, filth and general chaos that is Mumbai. She's been to India five times or so, probably for about two year's time total and she says Mumbai is her least favorite place in India that she's been. Too bad you can't go to Bangalore or somewhere like that. My family in Bangalore actually owns several clothing stores and I'd would've been happy to give him a call and get him to give you the royal treatment if you were going there. My family in Bombay merely owns a thread manufacturing factory. Late November and December are better months to go there than during other times of the year, because it won't be so hot. You should be able to take in some Indian classical music if you want to because this time of year is their heavy concert season. Also, despite their silliness, go to a Bollywood movie, just for the experience of being in a 2,000 seat movie house with people screaming and yelling . I will report back tomorrow or Tuesday with ideas of things for you to do.
Talked to the wife this morning. She said you should see the Gateway of India. There were several other places she recommended near the the Gateway that she couldn't remember, so I'm emailing my father in law (who grew up in Bombay) for the names of those places. I'm asking him for some bazaars to visit as well as temples & mosques if you're interested. She did have these words of advice & caution for you: Be very careful of eating food from street vendors, especially if your trip is short. She did recommend getting coconut water from street vendors because they open the coconut on the spot with a machete. If you do go to a Bollywood movie, buy the highest price ticket available. The rowdy element sits in the cheap seats and my wife said it isn't the best place for a foreigner to be. If you try to take in some Indian classical music (ask your local contact) as any info/ads for that will like be Hindi only. Many bottled waters in India are only bottled tap water and will also make you sick. There's a few brands (I'm asking the father in law) that they recommend as good for foreigners. Brush your teeth with bottled water, even if in a 5-star hotel and when you shower, make sure to keep your eyes and mouth close and try to not to get any shower water in your mouth. She said she didn't want to scare you, because India can be a great time, but that there is a vast gulf between US & Indian health standards. Even my inlaws (who were born there) sometimes get sick when going back, so be careful. Try the soft drink Limka. It is kind of a like mix of ginger ale & lemonade. You can get Limka in the US, but you have to seek it out. Also try Thumbs Up cola. I will report back with more after my father-in-law emails me back.
Was the city name always pronounced "Mumbai" by people from India, meaning we just adapted the correct prononciation (like Peking/Beijing), or was this a change that originated in India?
Wow, nicodemus, great stuff. I'll only be in the city for like 72 hours, although I will try to hit the Gateway of India, which looks nice. I'll likely stick to eating only in the hotel or at the office. (I did live in Mexico City for a year, so I'm used to the 'don't drink the water' drill) Would appreciate any names for bazaars. Wish I could spend more time. Bangalore is a possible future destination for me, so I'll keep you in mind. thanks again! And BlueMeanie, I think that Mumbai is the original name. The English changed it to Bombay. And now it's back.
i was in india for six months, only know about the south since i only lived there. but about the water. i strictly suggest- bisleri aquafina dasani and thumbs up went out of favour a long time ago nico, after re-intro of coke. and like nico said be very careful about street vendors. Americans aren't very immune. you will definetly enjoy bangalore better. hope this little bit helps.
i was in india for six months, only know about the south since i only lived there. but about the water. i strictly suggest- bisleri aquafina dasani and thumbs up went out of favour a long time ago nico, after re-intro of coke. and like nico said be very careful about street vendors. Americans aren't very immune. you will definetly enjoy bangalore better. hope this little bit helps.
Stick with the Kingfishers for your drinking pleasure and you'll be fine. I've never been poisoned by a beer, well, sort of.....