We were heading towards Arabian Sea. We were going along the West coast of India. Of course, we couldn't see the land, but it seemed like the sea was much calmer; or was it because I was more accustomed to the constant motion of the ship and the humming of the engines?
Joyce and I were enjoying our life on board.
We were making friends with some of the HK travelers, we met two Catholic priests who were very interesting to talk to, and we were also getting to know our cabin-mate a little bit better. At that time, we did not know too many Americans. So it was a novelty for us.
So the day came when we were approaching Bombay.
Bombay, now known as Mumbai.
We docked.
Almost immediately, before we were off the ship, all our senses were assaulted from all directions by the great number of different noises, the many bright colorful sights, and pungent smells. Spices? Curry? Saffron? And there were so many People!
Teeming! Seething! Electrifying!
This most populous City in India, known as one of the most populous metropolis in the world.
Cars, carts, buses, bicycles, pedicabs, men, women, children, dogs, cats, oxen . . .
Joyce and I told each other that if and when we got off the ship we were to stick together.
We held on to each other. We did not want to get lost in this sea of people and whatever!
I cannot remember exactly what we did. I guess we did a bit of sightseeing. We were glad to get back to the safety of S. S. Asia and our wonderful jolly waiters in the Dining Room.
I think I did purchase a yellow-colored melon, simply because it looked delicious. I did wash it carefully before eating it.
Mumbai is now the home of the razzle-dazzle world of Bollywood - India's answer to Hollywood. Too bad we did not know someone who could take us around then.
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