Jeevachi Mumbai!

Bombay holds a charm almost no other city in India can even dream of. Even recent terror attacks notwithstanding. I remember so many of M's relatives came for our wedding because it gave them a chance to visit Bombay. Having lived there almost all my life, meant we take most of the things for granted.

This time when we visited Cubby, we wanted to show him all the things that were special to us and otherwise. With not too much time on hand we managed just bit of South Bombay and Juhu Beach. Cubby had a brilliant time and though I don't know how much of it he will actually remember, I was happy to be there with him. Doing the boat ride at Gateway that I did as a kid, shopping at Colaba which was a much looked forward thing in college and working life, Marine Drive where friendship and courtship happened and ditto for Juhu Beach. I was amazed at how familiar it all felt and what fun it can still be especially when you look at with the wonderment in your baby's eyes! :) I loved pigging out on Pav-Bhaji and Bhel Puri at the beach!

Also when I gave birth to Cubby, there was a flurry of excitement in my building. They all knew and loved my family and me, and now they had welcomed Cubby with open arms and love I cannot even imagine. After that everytime Mayunk went there the kids would ask "Cubby kab aayega?". This time when Cubby reached there he was smothered with their affection for him. Kids aged between 2 - 10 kept him entertained and enthralled. They generously shared their toys with him, tried to include him in their grown up games and generally tired him out every single day! :) It was also very humbling to see Cubby play in the terrace I used to as a kid and I couldn't help but count my blessings.

The grandparents ofcos went absolutely ballistic! NOTHING can make them happier than their grandchild. You might have won a Nobel Prize, but for them the grandchild is the biggest achievement ever. Its like seeing the completion of circle of life, I guess. My mom kept talking to him, playing with him and enjoying every bit of his antics. My dad became a champ at putting him to sleep as he showed him crows and kabootars from the balcony. Their love is so intense and beautiful... it's a treat to experience it! :)

The icing on the cake? My brother made it from the US. He gave the parents a shock by knocking on the door at 330am. Only M and me knew he was gonna make a trip. The timing was so perfect. Cubby got to know his Mama better and can now recognize him from photos! :) It was so much fun seeing them together and the brother is pretty good with kids. The family was complete in every sense of the term! :) Thanks for making it dude!

I will let pictures do rest of the talking!

Gorgeous South Bombay

The kid was totally obsessed with his "Baoon"! At Gateway of India


At Gateway with Bro n me. Don't forget to notice the Baoon! :p

In the boat that takes a round at Gateway. Don't you love it when lights play such lovely tricks?!

Mommy itta saara paani!. Cubby thrilled with the new experience.

taking a break and snacking at ever gorgeous Marine Drive.

Christmas Party and Kids!

L'il Santa on Christmas Day! His "Aaji" got the costume et al.

Kids enjoying the food at the Christmas Party.


Santa refused the beard ofcos. But tried to put on the cap himself!

Enjoying the attention and the fun!

Stop taking pictures. When is a kid supposed to play?!

Even Goa wasn't this much fun! Juhu Beach!

Getting the feel of the beach walking with Mom and Aaji

Wanna bet WHO is the asli monkey?! :p


Gaadi! Gaadi! was the chant as Cubby enjoyed his first amusement ride!

Ofcos I asked if he was sure he wont make me get off due to excess weight! There's lil Cubby on the seat too!

With his Papa who was mostly the official photographer!

New word learnt and object liked that evening?! Tooppee! :)

The phamily Photo! And yes, a baoon was obviously bought here as well! :p

The Phive Star Experience

Cubby being serenaded with Twinkle Twinkle!

He lost interest pretty quickly after being totally fascinated initially!

The Grandparents (??) who give parents run for their money when it comes to looking young and their enthu and energy levels!

With Mama, wearing the Tee he got from his Univ.

Random Notes

The couple cooking up a mean chinese lunch with errr... Knorr Make - a - Meal!

Playing it rough and laughing away with his Aaji!

It was such a beautiful n perfect trip! Hope we can do it soon again. Make some more amazing, remake old connections and forge new bonds! :)