Former geologist, diplomat and outgoing Ambassador of Ireland to India, Brian McElduff, has a special connect with the city. He has donated 37 heritage maps from his collection to The Asiatic Society of Mumbai as a parting gift at an event in the Durbar Hall last week. McElduff has visited the city 30 times before, and has a special fondness for the architectural landmarks of South Mumbai. "It is heartening that efforts are being made to preserve the historic buildings," he shares, adding how after a stroll around these parts, it's always been a pleasure to have tea in the lounge of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

Edited excerpts from an email interview: