Mumbai

New cricket stadium being built in Pune.

Traffic going into Mumbai was pretty bad. Police directed us to use a lane on the other side of the expressway.

Driver stopped to purchase this chili-lime to repel negative energy and keep us safe. He is not from Mumbai so it is tough for him too.

Entering Mumbai we drove by Dharavi, Asia's largest "slum", home to nearly a million people. Pune had poverty yet not to this scale.

Started my walking tour at the top of a small hill in Mumbai looking down at the beach.

Wandered through side streets and the market. Market was busy for the 3 day weekend and the upcoming festivals.

Impossible to not be thinking that the terrorist attacks were near this spot. Back in Pune, the bombed German Bakery was not far from my hotel.

There are many interesting buildings in the "old fort" area of Mumbai.

Mumbai is built on six original islands and reclaimed swamp land.

An old university. Asia's first stock exchange is in Mumbai. Banks are everywhere.

The Gateway to India built in commemoration of King George V and Queen Mary's visit. Mumbai wasn't much at the time, just a port stop on the way to Delhi.

Freni, my guide from Mumbai Magic, put together a nice variety of walking locations for me centered mainly around Mumbai's history with the British.

They offer a city transporation tour (train, bus and taxi) lead by a college student that I'd like to take next time.

The Taj motel, site of the terrorist attacks in 2008.

We had a great dinner at Gaylord's churchgate location, sitting outside. It is the oldest restaurant in this part of Mumbai.

Mumbai airport was a pain due to inefficient procedures. Arrived at sunrise in Munich.

Delicious German fried potatoes for breakfast before my flight to London.

View of Tower Bridge on approach to London's Heathrow airport. The ship is the HMS Belfast, a WWII era cruiser, now a naval museum.

United 777 for London to San Francisco flight.
I ordered vegan meals. Only one wasn't good (bland). Get served first so I'm done long before the bev cart arrives.

Lovely day in San Francisco.