This is what I miss most about not going to work to my ex-office. I miss stepping out of work to walk among the stately old buildings of South Bombay. I miss walking into Jehangir art Gallery whenever I have the time. I miss walking among buildings that belong to another century and have a history older than my grandparents. I miss the grace, grandeur and the quiet dignity of colonial architechture. So when I went for a meeting to town and remembered that it was a public holiday, I was really happy that I had my camera along. Sundays and public holidays are the best days to really enjoy a walk around Bombay's( I can never get around to saying Mumbai) Fort area. Vast and empty broad roads edged by beautiful buildings. Happiness.
The KalaGhoda parking lot is surrounded by the Army Navy Building, David Sassoon Library on one side, Jehangir art Gallery, Rhythm House and the Khyber Restaurant on the other. Each of these an institution in itself.
Looking up the Neo-Classic Army Navy Building
A spot of shopping in Westside is a great break from all that strolling around in the white hot Bombay heat.
Cobbled stoned pathways through arched passages
A closer look up the central entrance arch
Knessel Eliyahoo, one of the many old synangogue's in the city. A large part of the Jewish community in India lives in Mumbai.
Here's where I hopped into a cab to head home, happy about the pictures I clicked - I'd wanted to do this for so long.
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15 comments:
Gosh Vineeta! the pictures brought back such an avalanche of memories. Thanks so much for posting them! have lived in Bombay and worked in these parts, I know what you mean.
This post was a revelation about Mumbai for me. What I like about these beautiful buildings is not just the fabulous facades that you have photographed but the colours - muted, dignified, other worldly. A very different palette from what one is used to seeing.
those buildings are beautiful. colonial architecture is my favorite stlye. playful, dreamy but yet tasteful. great.
Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art--
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--
No--yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever--or else swoon to death.
Oh, my goodness, Vinetta! I had no idea that this type of architecture was so prevalent in Bombay. It's really fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour through your wonderful photos. Thank you!! xo – g
Hi Vini, this reminded me of my college years when i could roam the streets of south mumbai and be awed by everything i saw. Do you remember the wayside inn opposite jehangir art galery. I used to love that place! Do call me next time you plan to go for one of your shoots :)
love, urmila
Thanx everybody,
Its been such a long time since I posted on Bombay. I'm really glad you guys are liking it- must do it more often :)
Chandan- u know :)
Priya - you must come, I will be happy to play host :)
Lou, Georgianna, Thanx!
Prathap - for a second I thought it was spam! thank u for the beautiful poem.
Urmila, sure ;)
My favorite part of Bombay too. Lovely pictures.
Vineeta we used to stay in Colaba, right next to the Port Trust Park and hubby used to work in Fort as well! This made me nostalgic, we loved going to the cafe after the exhibitions at the Jehangir Art Gallery! Thanks for taking us around again.
About the captions, it makes a big difference and adds your signature to the posts, definitely worth the effort and time.
tc
mumbai is truly magical city...loved revisiting it thru ur lovely pics...I am from hyderabad but loved mumbai for what ever little time i had in the city
Vineeta, these are beautiful photos! What fabulous architecture!
It could almost be London! It looks amazing!
What camera do you use? And where do you live now in Bombay?
My only dream is to be rich enough to own a tiny tiny tiniest shop near the Fountain. LOL... I did say "dream" :)
Hello Vinita
Loved your pics. I was born and brought up in Grant Rd area. Lived in Mumbai for 32 yrs before moving. Can you send me a pic of the Parsi Lying In Hospital?near the Khadi Bhandar area? My grandmother graduated with a Mid-wife certificate from this hospital in 1910 or so, and now I believe it is up for sale and under dispute. I need it for memories.Many thanks. Ketty Wadia
Hello Vinita
Loved your pics. I was born and brought up in Grant Rd area. Lived in Mumbai for 32 yrs before moving. Can you send me a pic of the Parsi Lying In Hospital?near the Khadi Bhandar area? My grandmother graduated with a Mid-wife certificate from this hospital in 1910 or so, and now I believe it is up for sale and under dispute. I need it for memories.Many thanks. Ketty Wadia
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