Tag: India

“If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.”

In New Zealand, I often feel the weight of my identity pressing upon those around me. I am seen as radical, too progressive and always asking for too much. The contributions I offer are often overshadowed by stereotypes that breathe life into narratives society continues to write about people like me and who we are…Continue Reading “If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.”

A Colossal World

Every day, I find myself saying, “India is so colossal!” And it truly is. In just five weeks, I feel like I’ve done it all—marvelling at the terrifically towering Taj Mahal in Agra, celebrating the once-every-144-years Maha Kumbh Mela festival amongst the countless pilgrims pouring into Varanasi, paragliding over the mesmerising mountains in Lonavala, and…Continue Reading A Colossal World

Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan: Until we meet again

As a Pasifika woman, through a series of fortunate events, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to multiple countries and experience different cultures. However, none of these trips could ever match up to living in India. The hospitality, the food, the colour, history and culture – to experience this first hand while living here has…Continue Reading Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan: Until we meet again

Truth is stranger than fiction

As I sat in a taxi last night, I realized this once strange city now feels like home. Landmarks like the clock tower, cricket oval, university, high court, skyscrapers, and even smaller aspects like the shoe-shining vendors, sugarcane stalls, and stray dogs have become a normal part of my daily experience. The trains, roads, haggling,…Continue Reading Truth is stranger than fiction

One Month in India: Courtrooms, Camels & Cricket

In just one week, I’ll be back in New Zealand. Time has flown by, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been up to. Spoiler alert – it includes a visit to the High Court of Bombay, camel riding in Rajasthan, and watching my dad umpire an international cricket match. Let’s get into it……Continue Reading One Month in India: Courtrooms, Camels & Cricket

Mumbai: A confusing city where less is more

Every day, as I sit on the train, looking out at the slums, train track welders, stray animals, crowds, skyscrapers, and never-ending sea of rubbish, I can’t help but think—this place can’t be real. The mixed scent of fragrant spices and fermenting sewage drifts through the air while the relentless horns, blaring party music, and…Continue Reading Mumbai: A confusing city where less is more

Settling Into a New ‘Normal’

Today marks the halfway point of my internship here in Mumbai. Somehow, it still hasn’t clicked that I’m in India. I’m writing this while nestled into my plane seat destined for Rajasthan, vegetable biryani in hand – I could get used to this lifestyle! In this blog, I’ll be sharing how culture shock can quickly…Continue Reading Settling Into a New ‘Normal’