As my teacher's training college was at Fort,South Mumbai, I had an idea about that area.I was in awe of the architecture,the hustle and bustle of the office-goers,the sobo culture and of course shopping delights there.I remember the wonderful moments I spent with my college group at Marine Drive,Gateway of India and Colaba Causeway.My daughter had heard about my many sojourns there and wanted to experience the same so both of us joined the photo walk organised by Moments Shoot to South Mumbai.It was a Sunday and both of us took the local train to CST(Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus for the uninitiated)We met the rest of the small group and walked towards metro cinema to finally reach our first halt Kyanis restaurant.It was a quaint,small unassuming restaurant that served the best food at the most unbelievable prices.Since it was past 2.30 pm we were famished and tucked in.The tables and chairs at the restaurant were like antique pieces covered with pink(or may be that was red) chequered table cloths.The place looked very ordinary and had a second level reserved for 'Family only'.The waiters did not hover around us all the time and they did not jot down our orders.We had grilled sandwiches,cheese rolls,chicken pattice and kheema-pau.To top it off we had their yummy and famous mawa cake and chocolate-walnut brownie with chocolate sauce.The rates of the food at the restaurant were really unbelievably low.I need not mention that the food was fresh and yummilicious.I was happy to be here and promised to come here again to taste some more of their tasty fare which was really swast ani masst!!!(Cheap and best) With our stomachs satiated we walked towards Marine drive.
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| Grilled chicken and cheese sandwich |
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| Fresh chicken pattice |
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| Shreya enjoying her cheese roll and chips. |
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| The antique style tables and chairs at the restaurant. |
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| Mawa cake and chocolate-walnut brownie cake with chocolate sauce |
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| The restaurant as seen from outside-simple and unassuming. |
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| The building that houses the restaurant. So after the hearty meal we walked towards marine Drive as we had to catch a bus to hanging gardens or the Kamala Nehru park.As we waited for the bus we took in the superb view of the sea and the evening sun.We clicked a few pictures and were absorbed in doing so when we heard our leader shout,"Hey guys,the bus is here,get in!!!"     We reached hanging gardens and I remembered the many times I came there as a kid for my school picnic.The Sunday crowd made its presence felt there.We entered to see the lovely shades of green trees and the colourful flowers.It is evident that it is a much visited tourist spot.We clicked away and captured the wonderful place in our frames.There was a huge crowd that was at the Old Woman's Shoe,an attraction for kids and adults alike.We also went to another spot from where we could have a glimpse of the Queens necklace or marine Drive and the Girgaon chowpatty.After the visit we had a short break for cool milk and snacks and clamoured on inside the bus towards Walkeshwar's famed Baanganga.         
We took a bus and reached Baanganga.I have seen photos of Baanganga before and I thought it was just a quarter of the size it actually was.There was a pond with many steps leading to it.there were kids nearby enjoying their sparklers and crackers.A few idols and a Shiva Linga lay near the steps and there was also a small temple nearby.We noticed many,I repeat many ducks lazing around the Baanganga.Some were in the pond.We sat there and enjoyed the serenity of the place and then took a cab to the last destination-the Gateway of India.As it was a Sunday the gateway was crowded.We saw the new Taj Hotel lit in blue as a tribute to the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar who was going to play his last test match that week.We enjoyed a few minutes there and one group left for the CST station to return home while another went to have dinner at Delhi Darbar.
It was really nice to see some of my old photo walk friends again.We discussed about the next photo walk which was planned for Durgadi Fort.My daughter and I left and a warm meal of fried fish,fish curry and rice awaited us at my sisters place so it was sone pe suhaga!!!All in all it was a great photo walk and I am glad I was a part of it as was my daughter.It was sayonara until our next photo walk.
(Credits-A few of the photos uploaded here have been clicked by my photo walk friends-Nikhil Gaikwad,Rupesh Todkari and Ameya Dhumal.)
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