“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Helen Keller
I’m writing this as I sit at Kochi Airport in Kerala, three hours early for my flight back to Mumbai. It’s the perfect time to reflect on what has been an incredible, whirlwind week. Honestly, it feels like I’ve lived 900 different lives in just seven days! The quote above by Helen Keller perfectly captures how I’ve felt this past week, as I’ve thrown myself into the unknown and embraced every new experience with excitement.
When we departed last Saturday, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness unlike anything I had felt before. Despite having travelled quite a bit, this experience felt different—a leap into the unknown. Stories about India, both enchanting and cautionary, played in my mind. I didn’t know what to expect from the next six weeks. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. I was so grateful to have 17 of us going through this experience together, and in just one week, we have gone from being complete strangers to feeling like friends who have known each other forever.
First Impressions of Mumbai
Arriving in Mumbai felt like stepping into a movie. The contrast is stunning: towering skyscrapers next to sprawling neighbourhoods of slums, all under a hazy blanket of smog. My commute from the airport to the hotel was a memorable introduction. Firstly, my suitcase didn’t fit in the van, so it ended up riding on top of the van (without being tied down to anything!), taking in the very humid Mumbai breeze.
And the driving—wow! Mumbai drivers are incredibly skilled, navigating chaotic traffic with what seems like effortless precision. The roads are a fascinating mix of pedestrians, animals, rickshaws, taxis, cars, buses, and trucks. It’s a world of organized chaos, yet I’ve not seen a single accident so far. Back home, even with strict traffic rules, accidents seem to be a daily occurrence. Here, the traffic flow feels intuitive. Just one week in, I’m amazed at how quickly I’ve grown more at ease and comfortable as a passenger on the roads.
Discovering the Local Food
After settling into our accommodation, we had our first taste of Mumbai on Sunday night at an award-winning restaurant, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, a family run business open since 1945. Let me tell you… it was one of the best meals of my life. We were served traditional Gujarati thalis (a meal platter). The flavours, the colours, and the way the servers helped us pair everything—it was unforgettable. And the cost? Around $15NZD for an all-you-can-eat feast. It’s safe to say I’m already falling more in love with Indian cuisine—turns out, there’s so much more to explore beyond just butter chicken (just kidding!)
Tackling the Commute: Kaali Peelis and Local Trains
Navigating Mumbai’s famous local trains was a challenge I was nervous about. My friends had sent me many TikTok videos of the packed platforms and swarms of commuters, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. On my first ride, I experienced the full hustle and bustle—getting off the train while others rushed on felt like a mission! But once the train emptied out, it’s a beautiful ride and a great way to see the city.
I’ve grown surprisingly comfortable with the trains and even look forward to the commute now. Every day offers new sights, from rats rummaging through garbage to breathtaking sunsets over the skyscrapers. It’s a stark contrast to my university commute back in New Zealand, where the views feel very predictable.
My Internship
For the next six weeks, I’ll be interning at Doctors For You, a humanitarian organization providing medical care and disaster relief across India. I’m lucky to have Dylan, a fellow medical student and PMSA participant, as my colleague at this internship. Having a buddy for the daily hour and a half commute provides not only a sense of safety but also peace of mind, knowing someone is there to share the experience and navigate any challenges together.
One thing that’s struck me most is the extreme contrast in Mumbai—the stark divide between the wealthiest and the poorest. The area where I’m interning is one of the city’s poorer neighbourhoods. Yet, just a 45-minute train ride away, you can shop at a four-story Zara in Colaba. It’s a juxtaposition that makes me wonder how aware each side is of the other.
This is just the beginning of my journey. Next time, I’ll share about my spontaneous solo trip to Kerala and the meaningful work I’m observing during my internship. I’m excited to document these experiences over the next five weeks and bring you along for the ride.
If you made it this far, thank you so much for reading.
Until next time! Xx