Kia Ora from Auckland! So, my journey has finally come to an end. Adjusting back in Aotearoa has been a whirlwind and I’m so glad to be back with my friends and whanau. While I type this blog, I look back fondly on all the great memories I’ve made with some fantastic people.
I miss the train, the busy streets, the markets and the food, the simple walks around the area and coming home and sharing dinner with mates. India has been an utterly amazing experience and I’m extremely grateful that I got to immerse myself in such a rich culture.
Being back in NZ has taught me to appreciate simple things. The people I’ve met and connected with in India have taught me many things which I will always cherish. I’ve learnt what it means to be resilient, confident, hospitable, kind, and most of all – how to let things go. Mumbai has been magical, a place like no other and despite being sad to say goodbye, I will always carry these teachings with me.
I’m extremely grateful for the help of Naveen Shah and the GCC team for looking after us throughout our journey. They have been nothing short of wonderful and I hope to reconnect with them in the future.
Reflecting on the differences between Aotearoa and India, I can definitely say that exploring these differences has made a meaningful impact on my life and how I want to set out my future. I’ve come to the realisation of what it means to want to give back to your community, to help those in need. Although I worked in a corporate environment, it didn’t stop me from seeing the ugly side of Mumbai, where I’ve learnt the most. From just these six short weeks I’ve developed a sense of self that would not have been possible without being thrust into the crazy atmosphere of Mumbai.
Some of my own personal learnings from crossing paths with strangers in Mumbai is that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Don’t fall into the sunken cost fallacy, change will always be essential for growth.
Most of all I couldn’t have done it without my cohort, most of the fun and laughter came from spending time with them! Something I’ll cherish the most is coming back and having dinner together, everyone sharing their crazy stories from work. It’s amazing to know that despite us all coming over together, we all got to know Mumbai in our own personal way.
My advice for any future travellers – don’t be afraid to use your Hindi, take the trains, plan your weekend trips. Meet new people and don’t be afraid to connect with them! It’s great to be cautious but don’t let that stop you from living your life, Mumbai is a city of dreams – anything can happen. For those of you who haven’t already, make a trip to India, it’s worth it.
Alvidaa, thank you for coming on this journey with me!
