Juhu Beach - Lost charm of India's most expensive village

I'm sure the title of this post will be a natural hit with some (if not most) of you, but let me admit, one month of stay at Mumbai convinces me that it is more of a village than a city.It was my first visit to Juhu Beach last weekend. For all good reasons I always liked a sea beach. Be it taking a walk along the sandy beaches or taking a dip in the sea, In either ways, I always had my share of fun. But let me tell you this, my experience with Juhu Beach was differentFor most of what I saw, I saw more plastic than people. As is true with any other popular beach, Juhu beach too is crowded with hawkers who sell the local grams, peanuts, kulfis, but then the place didn't have a single garbage bin. I understand not having a garbage bin in a local territory like Gopalpur where the govt. doesn't even recognize the need of installing one, but Mumbai! Isn't it supposed to be the commercial capital of India? It does make me question the callous municipal authorities who obviously are aware of the whole situation. I was amused to see two firangs sitting in a hotel private area next to the beach, with their legs soaked in water tubs. From where they sat, which was a slightly raised platform, all they could see was the sea.. no people and of course no plastic!As I strolled down the beach, I saw innumerable people playing cricket and soccer. Cricket is a religion in India, and forms so much a part and parcel of one's life that watching the uneven bounce of the tennis balls in the soggy sand beaches didn't surprise me much. But soccer! Was really heartening to see young and old local folks trying out a dribble or two. Much of this has to go to the just concluded Euro'08, but then playing soccer in beaches has its own charm. Seeing people coming to the soccer field dressed as Zidane and Messi, in Spanish and Brazilian uniforms in all shapes and sizes finally did bring a smile to my face... Afterall, you don't have to be a $100,0000 paid player to show your skills at a beach!