Mumbai has a way of pulling you into its whirlwind of adventures, where the unexpected turns into the most unforgettable moments. Of course, I imagine it might feel different if you lived here as a local, but as a tourist and intern working and living here temporarily, that’s exactly how it felt.
New Friendships at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum
It all started with a simple plan: visit a museum, take a couple of photos, and call it a day. But Mumbai had something different in store for me.
On February 1st, at the entrance of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, I debated whether to visit the museum or just explore the gardens but ended up deciding on the latter. As mentioned, my only plan was to snap a quick picture in front of the Buddha’s Head, but while doing so, I somehow became the museum. A kind family offered to take my photo, and before I knew it, we were in a full-blown selfie session. First, the women posed with me, then the kids joined, and soon enough, I was part of their family album.
A few minutes later, a group of ladies approached me. One of them, a teenage girl, hesitated before shyly asking, “Are you… Korean?” When I confirmed, her reaction was priceless: squealing, jumping, and looking between me and her mother. I couldn’t help but laugh. K-pop and K-dramas have left such a strong impression in India that even young girls here were thrilled to meet a Korean in real life.
What followed was an unexpected visit to the museum, something I hadn’t planned, but it made the experience even more special. The exhibits had everything from Mughal coins to traditional Indian clothing and grand seats once used by the royal families. But actually, the true highlight was the warmth of this family, making me feel at home in a city that once felt so unfamiliar.
A Spontaneous Event with My Internship Supervisor
As if my days hadn’t been eventful enough, my evening on the sixth took an unexpected turn. At noon, my supervisor casually mentioned that we’d be heading to an event at 3 PM—details unknown.
By then, I was in her driver’s car, heading to a destination I knew nothing about. When we arrived at the venue, I felt like I had entered a completely different world. It was the 17th Anniversary of DBM, a foundation dedicated to educating students from slum communities and guiding them toward higher education and employment.
The event itself was stunning. From impeccably dressed guests to servers serving exquisite Indian cuisine, I felt like I had entered a high-society gathering. I met some incredible individuals, including diplomats, CEOs, and directors of various organisations.
I also exchanged my business card for the first time, which I had made with my supervisor’s guidance. Handing them out, networking with industry professionals, and being in a room filled with accomplished individuals felt like a subtle reminder of how much I’ve grown during this internship program.
In Reflection…
It’s surreal to think that I’ll be packing up and heading back to New Zealand in just a few days. My time here has been full of spontaneous adventures, culture shock, and endless joy. I arrived with expectations, but this city has constantly reminded me that the best experiences are often unplanned.
Maybe I’ll revisit India someday to reminisce about this chapter of my 20s, but I’m unsure if I’d consider living here long-term. Who knows? If I became a diplomat and got posted to Mumbai, I’d absolutely take the opportunity. But truthfully, the hierarchical structure and lifestyle here might be challenging for me.
As I count the days, I reflect on the wonderful people, unexpected adventures, and unforgettable moments that have shaped my time here. A part of me will always stay in Mumbai, and wherever life takes me next, I’ll carry its lessons and friendships with me.
Cheers to the next chapter!