Birthday in Bombay

Today was my 48th birthday and we celebrated it Bombay-style!  I had made plans with Jodie Atherton (my principal's wife), TyAnne Rezac (my mentor/predecessor), and Megan Looney (my literacy coach) to spend the day shopping in South Mumbai.  Jodie arranged for a school van and driver to pick us up at our flat at 10:00 and  away we went, south, into the heart of Bombay.  Along the way, our driver, Milind, pointed out interesting sights along the way.  One that fascinates me is the Ambani House, well, if you can call it that!  Mukesh Ambani is the richest man in Asia and the 5th richest man in the world, and the proud owner of the most expensive home in the world!  The "house" is 60 stories tall, but actually ONLY 27 floors.  He built Antilla at a cost of $2 billion!  Milind drove us right down the street in front of the house so we have a great view looking up at the place.  This is a photo from the web, as I wasn't able to get a good picture from the van.

To read more about Ambani Home, click here.

Once we arrived in South Mumbai (about an hour drive from Bandra), our first stop was Oberoi Shopping Arcade.  The Oberoi is a beautiful hotel and the back side is a shopping mall.  We visited a few shops and Jodie introduced us to the shop keepers as "new teachers from ASB" so we can get the "best price."  I will definitely be going back to visit the leather store, the framing shop and many more!

Next stop was Chinanlal's, a stationary store.  Oh. My. Gosh.  I was in heaven!  I have never seen so many hand stamped cards, envelopes, gift cards, bags, and tags.  They had bangle boxes, pencil holders, trash cans, picture frames, book marks...all made from folded and hand stamped paper!  Here's what I brought home, all at a cost of 850 rps, which is less than $20!

Birthday lunch was at Le Pain Quotidien.  They had a variety of fresh baked breads and serves salads and "tartines" which is a kind of open-faced sandwich.  I had a yummy chicken, cheese, apple and pesto tartine. 

After lunch, we headed to Bhagham India, otherwise known as "Harry's" by the ASB crowd.  Harry and his family take very good care of the ASB teachers who need carpets, jewelry, furniture or lovely Indian gifts.  Doing business in Mumbai is so different than in the states!  Here is a prime example:  We are looking to buy a carpet for the living room floor of our flat.  We looked at this gorgeous Prussian rug, but knew we would have to wait until payday to pick it up.  No, our new friend/salesman Prakash insisted that we take the rug home.  Try it out, see if we like it.  If we like it, we buy it. If not, he will send someone to pick it up.  Really?  No kidding!  Here's what we brought home.  What do you think?

Tully placed a table with his new chess set on the 8 x 10 rug

LOVE this 6' round rug for under the table!

Silk scarves to send home to my friends and family from Bhagham

At Harry's, TyAnne got on the van with us and Jodie and Megan headed back to Bandra.  Milind then drove us deeper into the heart of South Mumbai to Chor Bazaar, otherwise known as Thieves Market.  It is said to be a place where tourist rummage for Ming vases and Muranos at throwaway prices.  TyAnne introduced us to many of her vendor friends and we were in awe at the treasures that abounded in the antique furniture stores.  We can't wait to go back and dig even deeper into the furniture at Chor Bazaar!  Here's our first treasures - 

 This corner chair is made with square wooden nails.  It will be cleaned up, stripped and refinished.  The upholstery will be replaced with cane, woven by hand.

We plan to use this for a shoe rack just inside the front door.  Both pieces are made of teak wood.  This piece will also be stripped, refinished and delivered to our flat when they are finished.  So excited to buy things that will eventually end up in our forever home!


Here's a few more pictures from out time at Chor Bazaar.

Larani on Mutton Street

Tully and his new friend, Azis, who was so proud to have his picture taken with Tully!

And what's a birthday without a present or two?  The journal was a gift from Tully from the stationary store and the elephant was from Prakash at Harry's.  He said it would bring me luck.  Well, I think I will choose to call it blessed!