Arriving in Mumbai was an experience I’ll never forget. Seventeen of us crammed into vans with barely any room, bags hoisted onto the roof, and a makeshift seatbelt strap handed to me in the front seat. As I settled into this chaotic, lively scene, I knew I was in for an adventure.
In my first week here, I’ve been exploring Mumbai in ways that have made this city feel both welcoming and terrifying.
One of the group’s first explorations was taking a taxi to try a traditional thali. The mix of flavours and textures was an incredible introduction to the richness of Indian cuisine.
My first solo adventure came on Monday morning when I headed out for a run. I made my way to Marine Drive—a popular running spot—and stopped to take a photo of the scenic stretch. That’s when some locals invited me to join their fitness class. I thought, why not? After an interesting series of exercises, I jogged back, feeling like I’d stumbled upon a little piece of community in this vast city.
The rest of the week brought its own challenges and joys. I took my first train ride—a rite of passage in Mumbai—followed by a delicious meal at Elco in Bandra and some shopping that showcased the city’s vibrant fashion and bustling markets.
Tuesday marked my first day of work. After navigating the surprisingly empty morning train, I jumped into a rickshaw to meet my supervisor. A slightly hair-raising detour later, I found myself at an intersection where my supervisor met me. Together, we walked through Dharavi’s Koliwada district to the office. Meeting my coworkers, a mix of young locals and international peers, was exciting and inspiring.
One of my personal highlights came on Thursday night when I joined a local football team for training. With my coworkers’ help, I braved the busiest train I’ve ever seen, heading into the evening rush rather than against it. A quick rickshaw ride later, I arrived at the ground, introduced myself, and joined the team. It was incredible to see how sports are able to transcend cultural and language barriers. We played, laughed, and bonded over our shared interest in football, and for one of the first times since I arrived in Mumbai, I didn’t feel like the odd one out.
This week has been an adventure of learning and adapting. I’ve visited five different train stations, taken countless rickshaws and taxis, and had meaningful conversations about what it means to be young in Mumbai. Bit by bit, I’m beginning to understand what it’s like to be a Mumbaikar.
For now, I’m off to Ahmedabad for the weekend to attend some much-anticipated wedding events. The adventure continues!
