There's a time of year when Bombay just ceases being Bombay or Mumbai. It's just the 3rd day of the year and most people are still on vacation. Schools are still shut. There's very little traffic on the roads, the air is clean and it's rather chilly (13 degrees at night is not the norm).
Spending a glorious Sunday afternoon in Bandra, which is by far the best suburb in the city, I couldn't help wonder what Bombay was like 30 or even 50 years ago. Bandra has traces of its laid back past. There are still many beautiful bungalows and cottages in leafy lanes. Most of the beautiful churches were built in the 19th century and the walls of convents and Catholic schools have witnessed a lot over time.
Bandra's Hill Road is nothing short of chaotic on a regular day. Add traffic, horns, heat, pollution and the likes and you've got the essence of Bombay but I think for just another few days, the tranquility may remain across Bandra and the rest of the city.
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