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    Back from Mumbai, and then there was 1 ...

    By Arjun Bhat
    Feb 19, '08 4:59 PM EST

    ... semester that is. the one in which i confront the 800 lb gorilla looming over me since i arrived here - thesis.

    we have prelim reviews coming up next week, before we head into the meat of the term, so i'm busy prepping for those.

    Went to Mumbai to visit my site last week, had the pleasure of staying with family there, especially an uncle who knows the city inside and out. I've been to India many times since i was a kid, usually spending 1 or 2 months there living with my grandparents - but that was in Chennai and Banglore, and while both cities are very different from Mumbai, having spent a lot of time there had acclimated me to the typical sights, smells, tastes of what Indian urban life had to offer. Which is good, 'cause I wasn't able to stay there for very long (just a five days).

    My site is near the eastern edge of the city, up against an active port section of the waterfront. on the western edge is a super-dense bazaar/residential area, to the south is what was formerly known as Victoria Terminus train station(still referred to by most Mumbaikers as 'VT') and to the north, large warehousing districts. The site right now consists of half used / half squatted on storage houses, vacant land, and some small supply/depot markets. Its at a vital crossroads in the urban structure of the city.


    Here are some photos:


    imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimage



     
    • 9 Comments

    • orange beard - sweet!

      Feb 19, 08 9:58 pm  · 
       · 
      citrus.grey

      Great photos Arjun. Looks like a really dynamic place, I’m looking forward to seeing what you end up working on, good luck!

      Feb 19, 08 10:46 pm  · 
       · 
      Philarch

      Somewhat off-topic question -

      Would you recommend someone travelling on their own in India without knowing the language?

      Feb 21, 08 10:02 am  · 
       · 
      Arjun Bhat

      It certainly is tough. I myself dont' speak Hindi (our fam speaks Kannada) and was grateful that many Indians speak, or at least, understand English. However, ive found that Murphy's law usually mandates that those people usually aren't around me when I need them.

      Hindi is pretty easy to learn, however, if you wanna brush up on some common phrases.

      Feb 21, 08 11:15 am  · 
       · 
      Arjun Bhat

      doubtful that he has much to do with the irish. altho i bet he does like soccer. as for places to go, go goa. beaches, palm trees, relaxing cottages by the ocean, pretty comfortable climate. It is a bit touristy due to its popularity, but its still very chill, and so not as intense a place as Mumbai or Bangalore to take a small child to.

      Feb 22, 08 12:27 pm  · 
       · 
      Arjun Bhat

      besides, what better place to go then where Indians go for a vacation?

      Feb 22, 08 12:29 pm  · 
       · 
      meta

      nice pics arjun.
      this guy must have dyed his hair with pounded henna leaves

      Feb 22, 08 1:27 pm  · 
       · 
      Arjun Bhat

      ummm ....

      monkeys?

      honestly, i haven't a clue.

      Feb 26, 08 10:42 am  · 
       · 
      columnos

      i was in mumbai- why didn't you call me?

      Feb 28, 08 2:06 pm  · 
       · 

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