Having reached out destination the night before a lot closer to Mumbai than originally thought, we were in high spirits for what should be only a brief 2 hour driving stint to Mumbai. Unfortunately for us (or fortunately as we'd headed off early) the maps and compass cannot warn you against the traffic in small towns, and sure enough there isn't a smooth glide into Mumbai - you have to pass through a one alleyed town with hundreds and hundreds of tuks, taxi, cows and pedestrians so although only a couple of km's outside of Mumbai out last stretch took us over an hour.
We decided to stay on the outskirts of Mumbai as it is notoriously known for it's traffic. We also dedcided to splash out and stay in some bling accomodation - hot hot shower and WESTERN breakfast included!
After 3 x life changing showers and a few Bombay Sapphires and tonic water, 3 spritely and eager zouhh Africans emerged and headed off to the city. However only moments into the train journey and causulty no 2. was struck! Alex with head lollying out of said train and slowly draining white.
Arrival in Mumbai city sent us looking for some cold coke and something western to put in her stomach. Our stroll took us along marine drive to see the skyline of Mumbai, through (and joined in with) a game of local side highway cricket and into the bustling city, finding a macci d's and thinking a little burger would be great to settle the tummy we pulled in. After repeated attempts by Shad and Ped to explain that all we wanted was a little burger, no not the little one like the kiddies one and loads of head wiggling, pointing and confusion on both parts did we finally realise that mac d's in India may as well be KFC - no beef. Unfortunately the chicken patty didn't go dwn so well with Al and after briefly checking out Leopolds Cafe (from Shantaram), Al again was painting the streets of Mumbai. Sent home and safely tucked in the boys set out to paint the town in a different manner.
Hangin out in Leopolds... A very cool place but filled with tourists and the prices far more exorbetant than what we had become accustomed to in India. Ped and Shad ordered 1 tower (3l of beer) for about £15 after which we thought we would try and find somewhere more authentic to spend the rest of our night. We got chatting to a local who recognised the Rickshaw Run buffs we were both wearing and ordered a second tower. The second went down much smoother than than the first, and we hardly noticed the third and fourth being ordered.. With the knowledge that our daintier other third was safely tucked in, we entertained a mission to find the next tourist trap, but thought better of it to retire back to the residence for a 2am club sandwich and a nap in the lobby..
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