Bombay can be astonishingly lovely even in the most desultory May heat. This dawn, we walked the leafy Malabar Hill, down to Banganga, the ancient tank temple complex. Sitting by the steps off the tank is incredibly peaceful. The simple residents of the area use the water to the max, learning how to swim, worshipping, or simply just being. Which is what we did. We did look a tad out of place in work out gear and our cameras. We walked along the steps, shielded by the peepul trees, said hello to the ducks and marveled at the surprising number of water birds (we saw a stunning blue of a kingfisher, catamarans and even swans). Circling the tank are numerous ancient temples, which on this quiet and early Sunday morning were empty and devoid of the mind boggling cacophony of a typical Hindu temple. Being an atheist, it was lovely to let the peace seep in sans the annoyance. The images of the Gods are quite unlike anything veering between an almost hostile and a little comical Hanuman to a bored looking Shantadurga. Later, brunch at Waffles , around the Kemp's Corner and then home to crash out the heat
