19th november 2008, marks the day of my new perception in life. I cried on the way back to the hotel. A horrible state I see as I step out of the airport. Tens and tens of kids running towards us, begging for money. Some with no hands, some carrying babies crying. I slowly turned to them and saw their mothers slowly approaching.
The driver quickly shoo them away like seeing ghost approaching from hell. Well I knew that he meant well to protect us. I slowly pick up my wallet from my cabin bag when suddenly a voice shouted from the vehicle. Stop it Jimmy! If you give one, all will rushed to you... (as proven at the shopping area), you won't want to feed the syndicate too! My fellow co workers grabbed my hand and dashed past into the bus.
It was not easy for me. Knowing that India is a relatively poor country, I should be more mentally prepared but never did I expect children begging. Looks like Slum dogs millionaire have lots of truth in it. As there is always a saying, the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer. How true. Slums are everywhere. I really wonder how can they live in such harsh living conditions. I beginning to love my parents more.
Facts about Bombay, India.
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city proper is the second-most-populous city in the world (after Shanghai, China), with approximately 14 million inhabitants. Along with the neighbouring suburbs of Navi Mumbai and Thane, it forms the world's 4th largest urban agglomeration, with around 19 million people. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour. As of 2009, Mumbai was named an Alpha world city.
The seven islands that came to constitute Bombay were home to communities of fishing colonies. For centuries, the islands came under the control of successive kingdoms and indigenous empires before being ceded to Portuguese settlers and subsequently to the British East India Company. During the mid-18th century, Bombay emerged as a significant trading town. Economic and educational development characterised the city during the 19th century. It became a strong base for the Indian independence movement during the early 20th century. When India became independent in 1947, the city was incorporated into Bombay State. In 1960, following the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, a new state of Maharashtra was created with Bombay as the capital. It was renamed Mumbai in 1996.
Travellers just be aware of beggers and pick pockets! Things there are really cheap! Especially books! Can bargain till your price is right. Here are my ratings if you want to travel there:
Sceneries - 3/10*
Shopping - 6/10*
Food - 3/10*
People - 4/10*
"Jimmy into the slums shopping area"
