Tafih

I have lived in Bombay now for about eight weeks. The city is huge. It is one of the biggest cities on earth. Depending on the sources, do the figures vary, but I would find it safe to say that the population of Bombay is twice the size of all of Sweden. It is impressive. What is even more impressive is that I hadn’t been living in Bombay for very long until I realized what a small place it is. While being out in the city one do almost always run into someone one knows, no matter the area of the city. And while meeting new people it is very likely that they know or are connected to someone that you know.

 

I love Bombay. I love the smallness of the otherwise huge city. I love the contrast’s between the different areas. The contrast´s here are remarkable. I do not seize to think or talk about them. Even if I would consider myself more used to them by now do they still catch my attention. It is the contrast of wealth. The rich and poor are living side by side. A huge mansion is inhabited by more servants then family members. The part of the pavement outside the house, which is shaded by a tree, makes a good space for the family of four to reside. One of the biggest slum-areas in the world is next to an area that has one of the most expensive real estate prices on a global level. The rich and the poor are living side by side in this city. How come some people have more than they could possible need while other is struggling each day to feed their children?

 

Bombay is more than that. Bombay has everything. It is the greenest city I ever been in. I do love the trees and flowers around me. And I do love the motivational signs I find everywhere, whether it is graffiti sprayed on a wall, a church who encourage people to smile as part of their daily message or a cheeky message on a billboard. Each part of Bombay is different. In Colaba one can visit Taj Mahal, Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum etc. There are beautiful buildings waiting to be viewed. Afterwards does Colaba causeway or Fashion Street offer shopping before a drink is due at Leopold´s. The day can be finished with an amazing Punjabi Belphuri at one of the food-stands close to the station. Bandra is westernized. It is one of the nicer areas of Bombay and it offers me everything I need. There are other parts of Mumbai, each with each charm – Santacruz, Andheri, Mahim, Dadar etc.

 

Since I arrived in Bombay have I lived several different lives. I tried the one of a yogi. I did the one of the researcher, constantly on the run. I´ve been busy, I been socializing, I´ve been experiencing, I´ve been learning. This week, I´ve done the quite life of keeping to myself, working hard and realizing that everything I need is within five minutes walking distance from my door. I loved every part of the journey.

 

Since I am leaving on Monday for north of India do I now got less than five days in the city of contrasts. That is okay though. I do love the city, and I always will. I am so happy and grateful for the opportunity I was given that enabled me to live here. But I am good now. Bombay is amazing and I will always love it, but it is not for me. It was for me; during this period of my life was it everything I needed. But now I feel like it´s time to move on. Nonetheless, Bombay, the wonderful time´s and experiences I have had here, all the amazing people I meet, all the pani puri I´ve been eaten (speaking of, how does one live without all these awesome street-food again? Never mind everything else, how will I survive without all this amazing food?!!) and so much more will forever be with me as a part of me. Every situation I face contribute to me as a person. I learn something from everyone I meet and every experience I have – meaning that everything I have done and everyone I meet is a part of me. I do not leave anything behind; everything I have done is me. As well as everyone I ever knew is part of me.

 

Amchi Mumbai – My Mumbai.