This is the Taj Mahal Hotel in Munbay and is quite a place with all the bells and whistles. This 5 star hotel is quite different from the outside area surrounding the hotel. Indoor fountains, beautiful swimming pool, and old world dining. With the temperature outside at 90+ degrees the inside was nice and cool.
This is a security guard in front of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbay. As you can see the wire on the windows of the hotel on the ground floor. With so many street people living on the street begging as this very young girl with her baby, there is a need to secure this hotel from the locals. Once inside this place, it is truly luxury. Getting in the front door of the hotel was like checking into any airport departure gate. No one gets into the Hotel with out going through this check point.
This young woman and her child are tipical of scenes on the street of Mombay. This was taken steps from one of the finest 5 star hotels (The Taj Mahal Hotel). Across the street from this hotel is a large stone structure built by the British called "India Gate" The gateway to Bombay by water back in the 1930's. The large square in front is filled with people. Mostly familes on this Sunday.
As you can see the outside of the Central Train Station is quite stately. The inside is another story. People waiting for trains just sit on the cement floor waiting for hours. Most carry there own food as there is not much to purchase to eat while waiting.
The central train station is the hub of this city. Lots of people coming and going. The trains are very basic and seats are at a premium. Just like the movies, it all about getting on, and being able to be safe. Hanging out the windows and doors is an every day occurrence. The building is very impressive from the street, but once inside its like the rest of the country. Dirty, with many things not working. It was common to see the army standing behind sandbags with machine guns! They didn't care to be photographed.
