1/5/15

Yesterday was a good day. The morning was spent walking around while we waited for our tour later in the day. We visited a few art museums and saw various types of artwork by local artists. One of the museums had on display a poem represented in pictures from around the area. It was interesting to see a different perspective of life here. Another museum featured images of the monkey god Hanuman, basically a man with the head of a monkey. We also stopped by an area called an esplanade and watched a cricket match between teams of locals. I didn't know what cricket was before today, only that the British play it instead of baseball. Now I know that it is distinctly different. The game was being played on an open lawn called an esplanade.  There is also one in Boston, another British previous British colony.

We stopped by to watch cricket

Speaking of Boston, even though it has only been a few days, I am starting to feel blessed with what I have back home. Many of the local city people have very difficult lives. We also stopped by art museums and saw various works by local artists. The two that stood out to me were a poem represented in photos showing what life is like for locals people, and a museum featuring art showing the monkey god Hanuman, basically a money-headed man.

When the official tour began, we saw many more sites. We saw Victoria Terminal, one of the two major train stations for the city named after Queen Victoria. Our tour guide told us that the ending scene to the movie Slumdog Millionaire was filmed inside. It was an ornate building, at least as ornate as Grand Central.

Victoria Station

We also stopped by a garden that was converted from a green space. We learned a lot there. It is against the religion Zoroastrian to cremate, as fire is an important part of their religion. A nearby building is used to dispose of the deceased in other ways. There were concerns about contamination of the water supply, hence this garden was built from the green space. From this American's perspective, it was creepy and interesting at the same time.


The Hanging Gardens (they don't really hang)


A building in the back corner of the garden

Soon after we drive by one of the most expensive private residences in the world. It would be an amazing place to live. It even has a multi-level parking garage underneath the penthouse! It cost a billion dollars to build.


The penthouse

 We also stopped by commercial laundry facilities while we were touring. The local residents who work here built a shanty town. It seems like the polar opposite of the building in the photo above, as well as the backdrop of the buildings behind the facility. 

The washing center