Monday, January 29, 2007

Bom Bahia - or "Bombay"


By now everyone knows that current city of Mumbai, erstwhile Bombay, was the dowry of Catherine Brganza , a Portuguese princess. The city name is a crucnhed up version of Bom Bahia (also known as "Good Bay"). If you manage to shut your nostrils with a clothespin, you may see why. Here are some views from the top of Malabar Hill looking out towards the western part of the bay.

Goa-Ah! - The House



I stayed at the charming Panjim Pousada, one of a trio of homes maintained in the traditional part of Panjim called Fountainhas. It lies plum at the end of a road, evocatively called "31st January Road". Not much to do. As it should be - save to watch the rain come crashing down on tiled roofs and hanging out the balcony cafe watching life go by in those historic streets. Panjim Inn and Panjim Pousada attracts a quiet crowd , not the beach-sandal-noise-pubgang. Which suited me just fine. Spend the night on the feni and bebinca dessert. Get mildly groggy and head to bed at 9.