As we reach the end of our third week in Mumbai, I can hardly believe that we’re already halfway through our time here. The last three weeks have flown by in a blur of new experiences, and I’ve truly been having the time of my life.
The more I explore this city that has quickly become my new home, the more I fall in love with it—the people, the food, the culture… did I mention the food? No matter how settled I’ve become, each day still brings something new that takes my breath away. Whether it’s a hidden market on my commute, a secret garden tucked between buildings, or the vibrant art at a local festival, Mumbai keeps surprising me with its endless layers. I feel like there’s a new discovery around every corner, and no matter how much I experience, there’s always more to see, taste, and learn.
I don’t think I’ve ever eaten this much (or drank this much chai) in my life! Every corner of the city offers a new culinary delight. Whether it’s a fresh plate of vada pav, spicy pav bhaji, or our cohort’s recent favourite, gulab jamun, I’ve been savouring every bite. I’m already Googling New Zealand’s biosecurity laws to see what I can bring home! I have a feeling that leaving Mumbai will be difficult—not just for the food, but for the lifestyle that has so easily woven itself into my routine.
Our cohort has fully embraced the spirit of living like locals. From navigating the train system like seasoned commuters to haggling with the local street vendors, we’re doing our best to take in everything Mumbai has to offer. Just last week, we attended a football match to cheer on Mumbai’s team like the proud locals we are. Check us out in our matching t-shirts! The energy in the stadium was electric, and the sense of community among the fans was contagious. It’s moments like these that make me feel like I’m truly part of Mumbai’s vibrant pulse.
While I’ve certainly had my fair share of excitement, the last few weeks have also been eye-opening. The city’s contrasts are what make it so unique, and they have forced me to confront the complexities of urban life here. From the same viewpoint, you can see modern skyscrapers towering over one of the city’s largest slums, a visual reminder of the stark divisions that exist side by side in this bustling metropolis. In one day, we go from coastal views to bustling street markets and crowded train stations.
This week, I visited Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundromat, constructed back in 1890. More than 7,000 people work (some even live) under the clotheslines, with more than 100,000 of the city’s garments being washed, ironed, and bleached every day. While an entire family shares a small concrete room under the clotheslines, the laundromat is overlooked by some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. The sight was a stark reminder of the contrasts that define Mumbai—generations of workers laboring in open-air wash pens while just beyond, luxury high-rises house the city’s elite. It’s a jarring yet fascinating coexistence, where different worlds operate side by side, often without truly intersecting.
With only a few weeks left, I’m realising just how much this city has become a part of me. Mumbai is loud, chaotic, and at times overwhelming, but it’s also full of life, warmth, and energy unlike anywhere else. I know that when the time comes to leave, I’ll be taking a piece of it with me—not just in souvenirs or spices, but in the experiences, friendships, and lessons that have shaped my time here.