Mumbai souvenirs: 2 AM Marine Drive bustle and bargaining tips

A few years back, I embarked on my first solo trip to Bombay.

Picture this: I’m in the flight and just as we hit cruising altitude, turbulence kicks in like a surprise plot twist. I was gripping the armrests as the plane danced in the sky, wondering if my newfound freedom would end in a dramatic mid-air exit.

Feeling as though I had just won a game show, my excitement returned as now I was set to explore the ‘dream city’. While navigating the bustling streets, I decided to try my hand at bargaining with a street vendor for a souvenir. The vendor opened with a price that made my eyes water. I countered, he countered, and we went back and forth. At one point, I thought I was actually getting a good deal, only to see a local walk up, ask the price, then simply hand over a much smaller amount and leave. I stood there, clutching my slightly-too-expensive souvenir, with a newfound appreciation for the art of Bombay bargaining!

Then came the notorious Mumbai traffic. And I mean it when I say I could have knitted a sweater in the hour and a half it took to crawl to my destination. But, at least I got to see the iconic Gateway of India looming in the distance.

However, the real ‘Mumbai magic’ struck me at night. Even at 2 AM, Marine Drive was alive with people strolling, laughing and probably plotting their next big idea.

Who knew that my biggest souvenir would be a collection of hilarious stories and a newfound appreciation for the chaos of city life?

Akanksha Sharma, Chandigarh