CULTURE, Mumbai

Favorite thing: Since in 1668 the British East India Company received this lands from the crown and founded the modern city, Mumbai (former Bombay, from the portuguese name "Bom Bahia", Good Bay) has been filled with many architectural samples from the Metropoli.

It's weird to see such British buildings and double decker buses in such a tropical and hunid atmosphere. Most of them are a bit ruined by the high humidity, but certainly keep that old colonial air that makes them so interesting...

Favorite thing: On the fourth day of the wedding, the couple sat together under a tent of beautiful fabric. its poles garlanded with fresh flowers. The bride's sister sat next to her, the priest and the holy book in front of them. The guests sat on the floor behind the couple, talked and walked about freely. That people walked around and talked during the ceremony was a surprise to me. One of the cousins urged me to get up and walk to a spot to take this photo, assuring me that it was not rude, disrespectful, etc. She seemed to be right, as I got in no trouble at all for taking this photo.

Favorite thing: The second day of the wedding had all the women together, having mehendi applied. The floors of the room were covered with mattresses and pillows so we could all sit comfortably. The elder women in the family played and sang traditional folk songs and brought delicious foods throughout the day.

Favorite thing: Depending on the service rendered, 5% of the total cost is appropriate. There is a service charge of 10% in most up-market hotels. While hiring taxis or autos, there is no need for tipping since they are all run according to metres. If you wish, tip at your discretion.

Favorite thing: The Prince Of Wales Museum or Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusanghralaya as it has been recently renamed after the famous Maratha warrior king Shivaji is built in the Indo-Saracenic style in honour of the then King George V's visit to India and built by George Wikket.

Entrance is Rs.10 for adults and the timings are from 1015 to 1800 hours everyday except Mondays when it is closed. Free audio guides in English, French and German are available for foreigners who have to pay a slightly higher entrance fee to see the museum. Photography and videography is allowed but you have to pay an extra Rs.30 for the permit.

It has three main sections: Art, Archeology and Natural History. It also houses a vast collection of Chinese jade pieces, Victorian Oil paintings and weaponry from the Mughal era.

A new wing of the museum called the Premchand Roychand Gallery was recently inaugurated and is now open for viewing from the 26th of November 2002.

Worth taking a peek into Indian Art and History!!!

Fondest memory: That would have to be just hanging out with my friends and meeting their family. The days where all the women sat around, the elder women played folk music and we all had mehendhi applied was very special.