… to explore the lesser known sights. After seeing the Gateway to India again, we got the chance to explore the sumptuous Taj Mahal Hotel. After some quick pics of the towering lobby flower arrangements, and the lobby waterfall, we wandered down the corridor to the shops, just opening up for the day. The gleam of the jewelry in the shop windows was blinding!
We had free time to shop in the “CIE” stores, government-run shops selling high-priced artisanal products. We set our sights instead on finding a tiffin (lunch box). The guide steered us to a grocer in the Majestic Hotel. Off we went, with no idea of how far the hotel was. Block after block - still no hotel. Thinking we missed it, we asked directions; it was in the next block. The hotel was no longer majestic, and the grocery store nowhere in sight. A street vendor kindly pointed out the entrance, through the arch, hidden under a tarp.
The tiffin selection was overwhelming – what to choose when there were so many sizes and shapes? We took the two smallest sizes, admiring the exotic groceries – and Gandhi presiding over the snacks!
On the walk back, we snapped some quick pics. Imagine being the manager of a McDonald’s in India where it is illegal to kill a cow … what are your alternatives? Cheese and corn, anyone? … The friendly pan vendor offered us a taste. Or how about some Happy Corn?
And one final note for future visitors …
What a city!
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