A Trip to Mount Mary.

At Bandra on Pali hill is situated the beautiful cathedral of mount Mary.A sure visit for all those who live in Mumbai. In the cathedral  is the beautiful statue of mother Mary with Infant Jesus There is so much of serenity for the human mind, when you go and sit in that cathedral on the mount. The popular belief that  whatever  you ask mount Mary will be granted. People from all religions, caste and community come here. I make a trip every year with my family. The serendipity that I have come across visiting this place is immense. The peace of mind  one gets when one goes up the mount is more than anything one can ask  for or get. When your life is full of turmoil, when the waves are hitting high, when there is a cloud hanging over your head. When things are uncertain that is the time one should visit this place. The peace and tranquil that one feels in this church is not at all comparable to any other place on earth.    

An enchanting afternoon at the Leopold Café (Colaba).

           It was a hot and sultry afternoon, and we were very hungry. We were pacing up and down the streets of Colaba cosway. We checked into Mc Donald’s, the security guard outside told us that the eating hours were over and the outlet was closed from 12-4! We walked ahead in search of a restaurant when suddenly,we saw this delightful place to eat some grub. The crowd at the café looked very mirthful. It was a mixed crowd of both Indians and Foreigners. There was lovely aroma of food spread all over which activated our taste glands and we were ready to take the plunge.

           The whole place looked very English. There was a high counter on which the owner sat. From where he got a panoramic view of the crowd. The huge room which accommodated myriads of people all eating and drinking to their hearts content.

            The crowd was served both vegetarian and non-vegeterian according to one’s choice, huge quantities of draught beer also to go along with the food. All the people were busy talking and laughing and enjoying their meal. We pulled two chairs and made ourselves comfortable amidst the crowd. Since it was peak lunch hour the waiters were busy serving the already seated crowd. We were waiting patiently for 15-20 mins till the waiter came to our table. We ordered Thai green curry and Garlic fried rice and some beer to go along with it.  The waiter spoke very sweetly and took down the order, then disappeared for an hour, came back and told us that they cannot make our order because of some internal problems. So we had to change our order. Then they served our order fast. We enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere and began our journey back to the streets of Colaba cosway. The most memorable trip we ever had. Thanks to the Leopold!!! J

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                         ©-Anjana. Pai