Today we were excited to return to many of our favorite stores in Mumbai and explore a few new ones. Cathy is a devotee of the LOVE DELHI and MUMBAI books, which have certainly been a great resource on this trip. Our first stop was a khadi store (145 Prarthana Samaj, Mumbai 400004/ tel: 23856550, 23884577) a quick taxi ride from our hotel. The owner waited on us and before we knew it each of us had selected materials and been measured for khurtas (long tunic tops), salwars (loose pants) and churidars (narrow leg pants). We arranged to have our made to measure garments delivered to the hotel no later than 10pm the following evening. A tight timeframe given that we leave the hotel at 5 am the following morning!
After khadi purchases were complete we returned to the Taj to walk around in our own neighborhood. Stops included Bombay Electric, Ogaan (my favorite), the Courtyard Shops, and a handmade Indian shoe store located in the Taj arcade.
The Taj is clearly still under renovation (the old wing remains closed) after the tragic events that took place there just one year ago. We had left the hotel only ten days before when terrorists took hostages and killed many of the staff in late November ‘08. Today security (at least the outward visible signs) is heightened versus one year ago. Opposite the hotel and in various points around the block are camouflage tanks. But somehow the coloring and shape of the vehicles made them look more like cardboard toys than the real thing. We also noticed bunkers manned by heavily armed soldiers nearby the hotel.
During our stay hotel was bustling with tourists and dignitaries from all over the world. We were delighted to see that one of the most beautiful and famous hotels in the world continues to thrive. Our room is lovely and we have a gorgeous view of the Gateway to India from the balcony!
Me enjoying cocktails at the Taj bar, poolside.
View from our balcony of the Gateway to India.
The Taj Hotel.
The khadi shop owner.
