There are just under 7 billion people on this earth and, as far as I can tell, all of them were in Bombay for Diwali this weekend. Ever since the deadly terrorist attack of 2008, the Gateway of India has been surrounded by barricades and metal detectors. At night, this is both a shame and a blessing when the security staff is off duty and you can no longer get near the colonial monument. It's a shame because I can imagine that sitting under the Gateway late at night with a bunch of friends (and open containers) was a very special experience. It's a blessing because no one else can get inside either and the Gateway stands alone, undisturbed, ready to be contemplated and photographed. The giant archway takes on an impressive, distant mystique when deserted and lit by lamplight, even in a city of millions.