First Impression

I believe most of you haven't been to India, and also for my own record, I am going to drop down what I've found during my 4 days stay in Mumbai.

Mumbai is the richest city in India. Its estimated population is in the range of 14 to 15 million. Since I arrived at the airport, and during the 50mins airport pickup journey, I couldn't find a single sign of richness, until I arrive at the hotel (ITC Grand Central Sheraton). It's very sensible to compare this country with China, both developing with great speed and have massive populations.

But compare to Beijing, this city doesn't show the development that I've heard. The international airport is a plain dull white building, and the staircase for passengers to leave the plane was even shaky! In the busy road, I even saw a white ox pulling a cart, which I only expect to see in sub-urban or rural area.

The highlight was, when the taxi was stuck in traffic, two little girls spotted me and came to ask for money. One girl was knocking on my door, and I was looking into her eyes just through the glass. That glass window separated her and me, and the two worlds. I am sorry but I have to say, I ignored her, because I know once I got my wallet out, there'll be tens of them. Pleaes forgive me.

There are similarities between Mumbai and Beijing though:
1. the roads are full of cars and motor bikes and pedestrians and tricycle and taxis.
2. all drivers are incredibly good. They can drive next to each other with 1 inch gap comfortably.
3. men like wearing shirts and trousers and leather shoes, whatever they do.

Another interesting sight:
I was in the taxi, on a bridge, clearly a highway ie. 3 lanes with cars driving at 80kph. On the opposite direction, there was a bike at the shoulder, stopped. It wasn't broken down. In fact, the driver and the passenger were peeing! In the middle of the highway!

India is also another stupid country (or region) which drives on the left. The others are UK, Hong Kong and Australia.