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The Glossary

Gompa - "A sort of nunnery or convent."

From India Glossary

Mumbai never sleeps, and is India's version of New York City in the US. Though not the official capital, it is however a financial, commercial, and entertainment hub. A mere speck in the nation's vast territory, it accounts for five percent of India's annual GDP. Some 14 million people walk in its streets at any given time, making it one of the most populous cities in the world.

Not surprisingly, the city brims with incredible energy: noisy streets, rumbling vehicles, busy markets, and a buzzing nightlife. Mumbai is also a city of excess and contrast. It is home to great wealth, skyscrapers, fashion boutiques, and affluent society, yet it has the largest slum population in India.

Home "Bollywood"

If there's anything that has made Mumbai more known to the outside world, it is perhaps the city's Hindi film and television industry. The name "Bollywood" is what foreigners have come to call it. It is a force of nature, churning out movies at a rate of three per day and reaching a worldwide audience of roughly five billion. Even its Los Angeles counterpart lacks that kind of ability and reach.

The squalor of its sprawling slums has recently been immortalized by Slumdog Millionaire. The film, which won the Best Picture for Oscars, encapsulates the frenetic spirit of the place and the resolve of its hardy inhabitants.

Beauty in chaos

Visitors are often initially shocked upon first contact with Mumbai, especially with its chaotic lifestyle, social unrest, and wracking poverty. This feeling almost always wears off quickly though, as the city's precious gems start to shine through. A simple walk yields architectural delights like the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, and Shrine of Hali Aji.

Culture is also present, with numerous festivals showcasing Indian music and dance celebrated all over the city. Shopping enthusiasts need only to head to Malabar Hill to buy souvenirs, while beach trips and museum visits rank as some of Mumbai's best activities.

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San Gimignano and San Pellegrino

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