How can they get those clothes so clean?

Our first landmark of the day was Dhobi Ghaat. These "outdoor laundromats" are a tourist attraction in Mumbai. A large surface is covered with rows of stone basins full of water and flat stone surfaces where men, skipping from one basin to another with the grace and agility of acrobats, soap, wash, rinse, and hang countless amounts of laundry. From the top of the stairs that lead to it, one can see how the entire system flows seamlessly. One can only imagine what a hard job it must be in the summer, when the temperature easily hits 45°C. Clothes are wrung and thrashed on the stones. Only men are allowed to do this job. Then, the clothes are hung on clotheslines above the roofs of the dhobi ghaat.

It seems almost unbelievable how sudsy (almost murky) water, in that heat and that pollution, can get clothes so clean. Rows of sparkling white shirts are hanging above one roof and I can't help being in awe about it. (Note to self: I need to have a serious talk with my Samsung washer...My whites don't look like those-by far!)

The next stop of the day, the Hanging Gardens, offered a much needed peace and quiet from the noisy Mumbai traffic. The gardens provide a spectacular view of the Queen's Necklace and although small, they have a lot of lawn areas where Mumbaikers can take a break from their busy days. That particular day, a couple of tour buses brought many families to the gardens and the laughter of children was everywhere. It made me realize that the particular way children have of making the most out of something simple, like the statue of the shoe in the gardens, is common to any language and any country.




Amit had an incredible surprise in store for me. He had heard of a restaurant by the water in Chowpatty Beach, Salt Water Grill. After a few attempts to find it, Amit's perseverance and a cab driver that wouldn't give up, we made it to the restaurant. The view of Marine Drive from there is spectacular. Our timing was perfect and we made it on time for a fantastic sunset. The restaurant is set up right on the sand, in the H20 sports complex, flanked by terracotta statues and with straw thatches. Although the service is nothing impressive and the prices are not very reasonable compared with other places in the city, it's worth going there just for the view.

Without a doubt, the perfect ending to a very relaxing day.