In 2008, weeks before the economic meltdown hit home like an iceberg, a friend went on a holiday to London. The air tickets cost him Rs 36,000, the taxi ride to the international airport from his home (in Worli) a mere Rs 170. Every Rs 70 got him a British Sterling Pound in return and before leaving for the UK, when he celebrated with his pals at home, 10 bottles of beer cost him just over Rs 500.