I know, I've written about Mumbai before but it was a bit flippant. On arrival at Mumbai station I think that I should have been shocked at the building and the people in there at 6am in the morning. I wasn't too shocked, I think anyone who has worked in the welding bay at Mather & Platts has seen everything that Mumbai station has to offer. The place was weird though with people sleeping anywhere and everywhere, it was a dirty place with crowds making their way from the train and porters hurrying us to taxis so they might get back to the train for another customer.
The poverty in Mumbai was greater that in northern Goa, which is a relatively rich state. I spoke to a couple of people about the poverty, one told me there was a beggars mafia and another told me that they earned a fortune because they tourists gave them so much money. Then I spoke to a 16 year old shoe shine boy who told me that he sleeps in the train station with his 10 year old brother, so working the streets of Mumbai is hardly a road to riches.
I've adapted easily to the poverty and I just accept it now. My greatest concern is whether at 150 rupess I'm overpaying for my plate of curry and half rice, half chips when I know some cafes charge only 10 rupees for a couple of samosas and a cup of tea which makes a good breakfast. I couldn't really argue if you told me that I'm a heartless bastard.
