Day 2 in Bombay

Jamini Ahluwalia hosted a gathering for us at 8 Carmichal Road. Guests included a range of people including members of the extended Moraji / Ahluwalia families. Although Kim has already settled into Chandu's apartment, he has left it very much the same. and her presence is everyplace...

Later in the evening, Shumona, who went to Bard College with Ashim and is now married to him, took us to a classical music concert in the home of some artists who live down the street from where Gandhi once lived. The concert was especially significant - although we understood almost nothing - because it was the last one in a house that has been home to the host's family for almost 6 generations. Taxes and other costs have made some of the older homes unaffordable and people have been selling out to developers. 30 or so us crushed into the parlor, to listen to a master vocalist improvise ragas accompanied by two musicians on a lute type of instrument and on tablas. Language did not seem to be a barrier, and we both felt we were being given an intimate glimpse of India today.

And we also visited Marble Arch which still looks like a great place to live!