Monthly Archives: June 2017

The cannonball tree

Posted on by
2

I found this very unusual tree while on a recent trip to Mumbai and took a picture, not knowing what it is. A couple of days ago, however, I got the answer through a blog I follow. The blogger, also from the city, identified it as the Cannonball Tree with lovely pink, orange and white flowers.
I have never seen this before; rather, have not even heard of it. At first glance, it looked like something I’ve only seen in National Geographic documentaries, straight out of the Amazon rain forest. I was taken aback at finding something that looks so weird right in the heart of the metropolis.
Well, nature has its ways and this was one such experience. On second thoughts, I wish I had taken a few close-up shots of the flowers as well.
Next time, perhaps!
Details on the cannonball tree can be found here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Couroupita_guianensis

 

 

A day in Dadar

Posted on by
8

Visiting Mumbai earlier this month, I decided to take a trip to a part of the metropolis I had not been to earlier – Dadar!
The thing about Mumbai, India’s commercial capital, is that it its amazing ‘retro’ places, its traditional lifestyle and history are overbearing and, if one has the time, one can get lost in exploring its many facets.
That’s what I attempted to do in around half a day in this part of the city and came across several interesting ‘shots’ that are shown here.

Dadar8

It was a hot day and, though it were business as usual, some of the early risers took time off to take a quick nap.

Dadar10

This Irani restaurant, said to be about a 100 years old, still has actual old furniture, glass jars and utensils – amazing to see in these times.

Dadar 9

A regular at the Cafe Colony Restaurant.

Dadar6

Italian, Mumbai and Parsi grandmamas offer their own unique fare. I loved the crisp messages on the menu card.

Dadar7

Grandmama’s Cafe offers an amazing array of food but what struck me was the very thoughtfully-designed menu card “clipped” on a old-style hard board.

Dadar1

This restaurant is the Star of Cochin ( a city in Kerala, Southern India), but offers Punjabi, ‘Moglai’ and Chinese – vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes – a virtual melting pot of cuisines.

Dadar5

No place is “complete” without a Punjabi Dhaba (traditional Punjabi restaurant) and Dadar is no exception.

Dadar2

The “ancient” tap, and in working condition, brought back childhood memories.

Dadar 4

It’s the mango season and it’s obvious all over.

Dadar3

We find these “cowherds” everywhere in India, and the streets of Dadar were not an exception.

Dadar11

Mumbai Police Sub Inspector Muley was only too glad to pose but not before he had given one final twist to his mustache.