I was looking forward to my stay in Mumbai. It is India’s most populated city, playing host to around 18 million people. However, it is a metropolis that is also rooted in history, with influences still visible today both from within India from the likes of the Mauryas and the Chalukyas, and also from outside of India, most commonly from the Portuguese and the British. It is in many ways, a city of many worlds.
Furthermore I was looking forward to staying with family in Mumbai. After being picked up from the station I was taken to their apartment. It is funny that even though it is a place I have never been to, I know when I am with family and I cannot help but feel at home. Thank you Mamaji, Mamiji, Avishi and Anika for looking after me so well.
This part of my trip was not associated with Rama, but was a chance for me just to explore Mumbai. My first day was spent venturing around south Mumbai and whether it was mansions, mandirs, museums or monuments, I saw a great deal. Driving through and seeing Mumbai made me realise how diverse it really was. One minute I found myself passing tower blocks worth billions, and other times through slums.
My mind feasted on places such as the Gateway of India, a piece of living history, and my eyes on the expansive sea.
At one point we were driving through a ‘silent zone’ which basically means car horns are not allowed to be used. I think it was the first time during my trip that I had been in a vehicle, and had not heard any noise. It felt strange, as though through the windscreen I was watching a film at the point where the sound is cut. In those few moments, everything seemed slow and surreal, and I was sitting, waiting for the second that the noise would suddenly return, bringing life back to its normal speed.
However, in Mumbai, some of my favourite times were just staying at home, enjoying the company of family, or playing hide and seek in the gardens with Avishi and Anika. With all of the travelling I had been doing it was wonderful just to slow down for those few days.
Hi Kaushik.
Following and loving your blogs! Am trying (in complete vain 😆) to keep up with you in my Ramayana, which I am reading for the first time; Just leaving Ayodhyya so a bit of a way to catch up!
Have to comment on this one because I particularly love your image and description of the sea/sky, just so beautiful.
Good luck with the rest of your journey 😊