I head towards Kala Ghoda, but the principle museum I wanted to visit is closed on Mondays, so maybe tomorrow. I head north and wander around the older streets of Mumbai. These are where the businesses settle. The businesses are grouped by their services, as in many Asian cities. I pass lots of computer service shops, but none sell computers. If I can find a cheap and compact computer I will buy one. The computer shops slowly change into printers and stationers.
I ask at one about business cards, which I need to help get reductions at hotels and other travel services. The price is INR225 for 100 cards, a bargain. I get shown to the back and sit down with a well dressed Indian guy. I write what I want, and he sets it out on his computer. The room is full of printers and young guys copying papers. After a few revisions and a cup of chai we start printing the cards. The card is cut by hand, and the end result is fairly good. Not what I would expect in the UK, but for £2.50 the service has been good.
I wander more around the streets, popping into a department store. The numerous staff are surprised to see me, so I send a few smiles. I find the computer section, but the prices are similar to what I would pay in the UK. Computer prices in the UK are at rock bottom at the moment, due to supply, demand and fierce competition between retailers. So no new computer now, maybe if I can find cheaper deals in Indonesia.
The streets of Mumbai are getting busier. I head over to the railway station, with it’s incredible buildings at the front, and it’s chaotic scenes at the back. I noticed a travel agent by the hotel, which I will try first for my ticket to Goa.
I walk south passing the incredible High Court and Bombay University buildings. The British certainly left an beautiful selection of Victorian buildings in Bombay. No doubt to assert who was in charge, and to demonstrate what could be achieved.
Across the road is the Oval Maiden, so I stop under a tree to watch several casual, but enthusiast games of cricket.
I head back to the hotel, and find that the travel agent doesn’t book train tickets. I head towards Chowpatty beach, hoping to buy a train ticket and see Gandi’s house before watching the day end on the beach.
At the train station I get directed to the ticket counter. A helpful tout is there to meet me, and I decide to make use of his services. He leads me outside to a travel agents, where I get my ticket for tomorrows overnight train to Goa. 4 Brits arrive just after me and it seems there are only 3 beds left on the train. My timing was good, although I could have stayed another day in Mumbai.