Mumbai Masala

After the first day in Mumbai I wrote a really negative blog. I am glad I sat on it a while before posting, although my impressions haven't changed drastically. I'm keeping some of that first post in this one and editing out the bits that were just a reaction to the sudden change. Paris to Mumbai is more than a little shocking.

It's totally crazy.

The extremes between rich and poor are immediately apparent. I saw some women with babies living under a highway overpass - it seems unbearable even to describe the conditions. I just caught a glimpse - I had to look away because it felt wrong to look at people so exposed. A violation. Not far away there are all the brand name stores: in sports shoes I saw Puma, Nike, Adidas, Reebok and Converse stores. And Guess, Diesel, and so many others were there too. We passed miles and miles of slums on the way from the airport. Right beside gleaming new glass tower office buildings. It's all mixed together.

Then there's the traffic. Cars, trucks, rickshaws, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and pedestrians just move in this totally random (at least to my eyes), yet seemingly orchestrated motion. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but I don't know how else to describe it. It's a garbled teeming mess of movement, and yet, so it all moves so smoothly (and loudly - constant honking). Vehicles and people come within an inch of colliding, but don't. I saw only one small fender bender in these past few days. A miracle, is what it is.

We are staying with some really kind, down-to-earth, generous people, who also happen to be family (Ravi's cousin, her husband and kids). That part I am really thankful for as it makes the adjustment much easier. They have a beautiful apartment, which feels luxurious - especially when you look outside. It's located in a not-so-luxurious area. When inside it is really easy to forget I'm in India.

We are about to leave for Jaipur tomorrow. So we've been in Mumbai four days. Most of that time has been spent in a car. An air conditioned car with a driver. It's the first time in my life I've had a chauffeur. It is a great thing, 'cause I'm not exactly sure how we would get around otherwise. This part of the trip has been all about meeting family, eating and drinking tea. Lots of tea. But I'm really looking forward to getting the heck out of Mumbai. Onward to a place where I can learn to walk again.

I went out this evening with Ravi to the market that is closest to where we are staying. I was terrified, but it was a relief to be entering into the 'real' world around us, instead of the sheltered car/family one we've been in so far.

And, really excited about going shopping in Jaipur.

I will blog again at the next WIFI connection. Namaste.