As I left Mumbai, I thought of all my adventures. The highs and the lows. The buzz and the silence. My first day and my last day. The experience had shaped me, leaving me with memories I will forever cherish.
Reading my first blog, I could see how I was so taken aback by the speed and the busyness of the city and shocked by how much there was to absorb. Looking back, I’m surprised and shocked by how much I adapted—how effortlessly I can now weave through Mumbai traffic and catch a kaali-peeli like a local.
Beyond that, I’ve learned more about myself—about my ability to adapt, to navigate the unknown, and to embrace change with confidence. From this experience I feel you learn more about what makes you a New Zealander when you are away from New Zealand. You can see how your values stand out and make you different from everyone else. I noticed that I would always go out of my way to dispose of rubbish responsibly, even though that may not be a concern for many locals. I also learned what makes Indians, living in Mumbai so different to New Zealanders. The level of unity and dream of becoming something so much larger than themselves is inspiring. People from all over India arrive in Mumbai to make their mark on the world, dreaming to make it big on the screen, in business or their career. I found their focus and level of commitment to be astounding and something to take away.
This reflection as I returned affirmed the old adage:
The journey is not just a way to reach the destination—it is the destination in itself.
Here are some pictures from my return journey via Singapore Airport:
