Netaji Subhash Road or Marine Drive is undoubtedly the most beautiful stretch of road that symbolises Bombay – yes Bombay , the city now known as Mumbai. Bombay was a city of promise , a city of dreams, a city of opportunity and millions of people flocked to it in search of their own fortune. And many of them did!

An unexpected cancellation of a meeting left me with an evening free to do as I pleased. And I chose to walk from the Sachivalaya to Kemps Corner a distance of 6 km+. I had to do this at  a leisurely pace simply because I didn’t have on my walking shoes and was kind of teetering on some not very stable slippers. So before the long trek,  I stopped for a cup of tea (to fortify myself) at the CCI and then began the walk. It was a wonderful change to have a cuppa by the poolside where young mothers were coaxing their little ones to get in/get out of the water. With sounds of splashing water, squeals of joy and the chitter chatter of people all around, I sipped my tea, munched on my fish fingers and perused through the latest issue of Vogue that I’d picked up fromthe news vendor’s outside.

A different perception

Most people walk on the promenade by the sea but I chose to walk on the other side and was pleasantly surprised to find several buildings being restored to their Art Deco glory. Further down, the Taraporewala Aquarium is also being given a much needed facelift and renovation . Many years ago there was talk of a Sea World coming in its place but for reasons best known to those who opposed the move, this idea was scrapped and the Aquarium went straight  downhill .  I do hope with this new refurbishment it will once again become a place which children will enjoy visiting.  It is a shame that the only fish a child sees is either in a picture book or fried or curried on his plate! After the footbridge  I found Paramount Cafe, a cafe which I had never really bothered about. A quick peek was quite an eye opener – the entire back wall had  some quaint old fashioned Coca Cola advertisements splashed as a backdrop . This is definitely worth a visit in the future even though it is categorised as a Class 2 Establishment. Soon after , is yet another new eatery  ( Amar Fastfood and Juice Centre) which was once a sleazy little watering hole , just behind the bus stop sharing a wall with Ice Cream Works . Both these places were buzzing with people beating the heat . A few steps away is  yet another new restaurant Asian Street Kitchen – empty but ready for the customers to walk in. Apparently this restaurant will start a take-away service , another must try on my list.

I finally came across  the Krishna Mehta store tucked away in one of the side lanes. Fascinated by its designs, I couldn’t resist entering  I its cool premises and asked if I could find something my size. Obviously there was nothing and the lady did say that I could have something tailored but obviously I didn’t look like a potential customer despite the latest Vogue tucked under my arm!

Going past Cream Centre  and its TexMex Cousin,  and Cafe Ideal, I came to the corner facing Gupta’s Kulfi across the road. Another Irani cafe and a new store Brand India which was old wine in a new equally dull old bottle – NTC’s attempt at reviving the sick textile industry  – selling fabric from Finlay Mills.

Walking further towards Kemps Corner, I took the side lane past Mackichan Hall and came across a tall building under construction and still under wraps ,  promoted by JLL as 7 Marine Drive . ……Tsk , Tsk – Buyers beware, this is distinctly Babulnath and not Marine Drive.

From then on, my enthusiasm began to flag as my legs began to ache  and I toyed with the idea of flagging down a cab. Luckily I got distracted with a phone call and walked up the hill to Kemp’s Corner