Where In the World?

I mentioned my amped up travel schedule earlier this week and by that I meant that having been home a whole three weeks, I’m off again . . .  first to India, then to California.

Am I nuts? Maybe. But the huz is going on a business trip and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go back to India so I’m tagging along. It’ll be my second trip to India but my first time to Mumbai so if there are any Mumbai experts out there, do share any tips!

bollywood

After that, we’re heading to L.A. with a quick stop home in between. It’s my mother-in-law’s birthday and a shindig has been in the works for a while. (I don’t think she would appreciate my disclosing which birthday so let’s just say it’s a big one.) Our niece is also getting baptized the same week so it’s going to be a whole lot of family time. No comment(!)

So this means I’ll be gone for a while but some very dear bloggers are going to hold down the fort for me here starting Monday. They’ll be sharing their current favorite design trends and I know you’re just going to love them all, if you don’t already.

I’ll try to tweet when I can and I’ll also pop in to say hello in between my trips so until then, have a wonderful few weeks!

(Photos: 1.Times Online 2.Box Office Critic)

29 comments

  1. Janell Beals

    Have a great trip, I am very curious what you think of India and Mumbai. My husband had the opportunity to take a trip there while I was pregnant, as soon as I found out I called my obgyn to ask what she thought of my tagging along. Bet you can guess her response…what a disappointment.

    Janell

    Reply
  4. Prasanna

    Hey,

    Welcome to Mumbai! I am from Mumbai and you will love this city if you enjoy loud, vibrant places. Mumbai is a bustling cosmopolitan and a great place.

    Although be ready to be surprised as you will see a lot of contrast. This is the city where you will find the richest of the rich in the world (Mukesh Ambani) and the world's biggest slum coexisting peacefully!

    And of course, you have already discovered Bollywood, do check out the Filmistan Studios in Goregaon and see if you can spot some movie stars there.

    If you are not to queazy about street food (most of it won't do you any harm at all), do try Bhel Puri, Pani Puri at Juhu Beach and Pav Bhaji at any small restaurant. Also, do savour the humble vada-pav (the indian burger).

    Shopping is amazing in India. For designer stuff you have almost a million malls across the city. But street shopping is a lot more fun. Check out places like Colaba Causeway, Hill Road and Linking Road (Bandra) and Fashion Street for awesome trinkets and clothes. Don't foget to haggle! Since you are a foreigner, the shopkeepers might try to fleece you, so offer to pay half of what they are asking for. a few minutes of haggling, and you will go home with the loot!

    As for as places to see go, check out Gateway of India, the Fort and Fountain area, Churchgate, Banganga…this is all located in South Mumbai and is filled with buildings from the British Colonial Era. Then you can check out the Dhobhi Ghaat (which is basically a HUGE open air laundry where the entire city's clothes are washed!). Hop into a ferry and go to The elephanta caves to check out beautiful sculptures on this quiet island.

    Duck into quaint Irani cafes like Kyani's for some yum food. Sample Parsi cuisine at Parsi dairy. Drop in to swap travel stories with fellow travelers at Mondegar's and Leopold's (yes the same cafe/bar where terrorists struck a couple of years ago!).

    And, if you really are brave, try traveling by the (in)famous Mumbai local trains during the peak hour! Well, maybe not during the peak hour, try the aftrnoon hours. :)

    And if you love nightlife and music, check out buzzing night spots like Blue Frog, Zenzi and many more.

    There's loads to do here. The place is not very expensive as there's something for every budget. The people are generally friendly and helpful…and most of them speak and understand English so communication won't be a problem.

    If you are traveling during Apr May, carry buckets ful of sunscreen, cotton shorts and shirts and open toed comfy shoes, for it is stifling hot and humid here. If you are coming in June/ July proper rain gear is a must for Mumbai gets a LOT of rain!

    so yeah that's all I can think of right now. Do email me if you would like to catch up once you are here. Would love to meet you.

    Reply
  8. Jennifer

    What a charmed life you seem to lead!!! I hope you have a big world map and have coloured in all the spots you have visited. Have a wonderful time and I too am looking forward to hearing all about it upon your return.

    XX
    .-= Jennifer´s last post ..Your Harmonious Environment =-.

    Reply
  13. mlle paradis

    Hi Ally! Is my face red! I just realized that you'd added me to your blog roll (thanks so much!!!) and simulataneously that I'd "lost" you from mine somewhere in the last fortnight's tweaking. (Uh Oh!) Anyway, you're being reinstated forthwith! Loved the last bunch of posts, nice to see you back in form and lucky you – Mumbai and L.A. You're going to have a great time! Looking forward to what's next!
    .-= mlle paradis´s last post ..Happy Easter Everybody! =-.

    Reply
  15. ashley cooper

    thanks for all your post! I love looking at your blog and the great inspiration I can draw from it! Have a fun time in Cali.

    -ashley cooper from

    design-parlor.blogspot.com

    Reply
  19. Sarah @ Natural Hist

    Have a fantastic time – what a great itinerary! My own itinerary for the next few weeks will be, well, wandering around Oxford with the baby and making a quick dash to London for the Natural History photoshoot. Exciting in itself (well, the photoshoot part), but not quite Mumbai and LA! Have fun!
    .-= Sarah @ Natural History´s last post ..It's getting closer… =-.

    Reply
  21. agneta

    Your blog ….. it's amazing and soooo inspiring. Nice to find you!

    A small footprint from Agneta & Sweden

    Ps. I have an ongoing jewelry contest on my blog. Welcome! Ds
    .-= agneta´s last post ..Ruven Afandor =-.

    Reply
  23. Rina

    Try to visit the Good Earth and Anokhi stores; you also get nice linens and stuff for the home at FabIndia; the Courtyard at Colaba for Indian designers (I haven't been there but have read about the Courtyard).

    There is a blog written by a mom, grandmom and daughter -http://mumbai-magic.blogspot.com/ It provides a wonderful insiders view of the city.

    Reply
  27. Vineeta

    WoW you are coming to India, But by now you must have left, I can see Prasanna has already given you a detailed idea about my city. I just discovered your blog through Plush Palate & came over. Love your blog & I'm off to check your home on design sponge.
    .-= Vineeta´s last post ..Quad =-.

    Reply

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