Tafih

The to-do-list that was suppose to get smaller do not seem to be coorparating with me, it seems that for every day, sometimes several times a day, I remember something that needs to be done and put it on the list. This whole week have been a crossing-off-things-on-the-list-week. From the point where I open my eyes in the morning til closing them at night ive been working on everything from home-exam at uni, packing and fixing thing for me moving out from the apartment, arranging things for Mumbai, arranging things for my study in Mumbai, charityorganization etc etc. Although I have had breaks for food and gym;) And it does feel good to get my head down and get things done.

 

Anyhow, it does feel like I start getting somewhere. I have wonderful people around me to help me with advice and contacts for my research, Without their help I would not be able to do it! 

I have been looking for so many hostels, as soon as I find something relativly cheap (Mumbai is Expensive!!) I realize the location is totally wrong (Mumbai is big!) or the reviews are terrible (I mean if I am going to stay somewhere for two months, the place has to be at least clean^^). I did find a hostel which is resonably cheap (did manage to get the price down by 100rs/night as well - did I mention I been emailing all of the hostels as well?), good reviews, seem to be in a neighbourhood that is good (although it might also be in the "Red Light District" area, not really sure...), nothing much, just a bed (that doesnt look very comfortable), no wifi in the room but in the lobby, but as I said, clean, cheapish and location is alright. And it has the same name as a woman who was in the last book I read, Kumkum, - seems like a sign (I do belivie in signs). Only problem is the location. It is good since it is in the south, close to Colaba, which is the like the citycenter. But I would have liked to get a place which is a little bit further south, in the north suburbs, - in west Bandra which would have been closer to the university where I (think I) will get my mentor and also Dharavi (which is the focus for the study). Although it is not far, maybe 10k. And I do not find any other place that compares to this. Oh well, I just wait and see, what is meant to be will be.

Also I did email basically all departments (which where relevant) at Maharashtra state government regarding my project (no answer yet) and several NGOs. Two NGOs got back to me and told me that I am welcome to come and observe there work within the slum and get information from them, one also offered to get me in contact with other relevant NGOs. Yay!!

I have been collecting more literature for me to go throw before I leave (just about 20 something articles, they are quite short though).

And I have been collecting and studying up on Mumbai, if im gonna live there for 2 months+ I need to know how to get around, what to think of, what to do, what not to do (found a list with 84 things: "do not call the cop pandu" was one of them, another was not to tease people shitting near the tracks while commuting cause they will throw stones at the train, also not at good idea to throw stones at the monkeys in the national park or bet against India in a game - defintly not for Australia), what to see etc. Also realized it is probably is a good idea to learn a bit of Maharati (local language) since that might make people more prone to talk to me, specially since I would want information from locals for my study. 

Think that is about it.. except started applying for my Visa (my God, I told you im Swedish 10 times already, it is not like that have changed during the last two hours I spent filling in this form), checking the weather and realized I picked the hottest time of the year to go there, booked my flights, applied for my insurance etc etc. 

 

...and... Last time I went to India I went there with a purpose of taking into an ashram, which didnt happen due to circumstances, and figured that I cant really pass on that chance when I am going to India once again. So figured I could finish my last course before the final about 10 days early and go for a seven days yoga camp and learn the yogiway of life at the oldest organised yoga center in the world. Well then I did not realise I had to apply.. Anyhow I did get accepted (and thank G for that cause I already booked the flights..)!!

 

So bring it on, 2 months and 2 days til I be on a flight to Mumbai, where I first be attending and living at a yoga institute for a week (after two days sightseeing in Mumbai) and then I will spend 8 weeks to conduct my study and also live in one of the worlds largest cities which from everything I have read sounds like nothing I ever experienced before.

 

Love S.