Friday, May 12, 2006
Mumbai Nagariya....
posted by Tulika Singh at 5/12/2006 10:17:00 AM

A day passes by the hour, a night in a wink.
A month is nothing but a waking day,
and a year is yet to come.

Probably the most talked about and written about city in India, Mumbai is the capital of money and Maharashtra, home to the filthy rich and the plain filthy. But what strikes you most about this city, that no matter who you are, rich or poor, your survival instincts are tested at all times.

Never has a city confused me as much as this one has. At one time I cant help but feel liberated and free, just taking in the sea and the other moment cant understand why cabbies refuse to go in the exact direction you want to. Or why, when there are just about three roads in this city, yet discussions of how to get to a place go on from departure to arrival! Why no matter how much you get paid, you always spend it all, and you don’t know where?

I have, by the virtue of an army upbringing, changed more schools than some cities could boast of having, been to more cities than any average traveller, but I have yet to see a city like this one. All cities are different, this one just takes the cake! Having adjusted and adapted to so much ever so often, I wonder if I’ll ever really love this Mad-House, really settle in. Or will I secretly hate it for its difficulties, speed and irritating cabbies!

Well for 3 months here, I can say it’s a good start, and hope it stays that way!
 
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At 8:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous

Hey , dont tell me uve been here for only 3 months.. u sound like a seasoned Mumbaikar.. well it's like this.. when i was in Mumbai ..i wud crib like crazy.. but when i was posted outa mumbai .. really missed the city for the very unique flavour of life it offers.. the strong urban transport system that is so lacking in many parts of the country.. esp the local trains..come to think of it.. after 25 yrs.. think that this city has a lot to offer.. esp if local administration improves :)

 

At 10:14 AM, Blogger N

Bang on! Like the cabbie and the spending bit there. But you do not end up having phone calls from credit card companies and debt relief in Bombay, as you do in New York or Los Angeles. You do not end up being looted when the city is flooded - as it happened in New Orleans - the city demonstrated utmost harmony on the 26th July last year.

Best of all, you never have nothing to do. Have been away from the place for almost a year now, and I never feel like complaining about the urban transport, neither the cabbies, nor the roaches-on-the-road-like autorickshaws! Imagine those cities boasting sophisticated transport systems, such as Bogota or London, or for that matter closer home - KL and Singapore- They'd simply break down right on the day one! Bombay could carry 1.2 million people from one end to another on its back just like that :) C'mon world, could you beat that?

And finally, the sea. I miss it the most! Been to all sorts of places, but never got to a place which would be like 'apna' Marine Drive! So, my 40th home was in Bombay - I hope I get back by the time the count reaches to 45!!! Nice blog, happy writing :)

Marc

 

At 1:49 AM, Blogger Deeseelicious

Awww.... When in mumbai, i crib a bit too. When out, i miss the small things. Like the guy at the station whod shine ur shoes and make em brand new, the endless samosa pav's and vada pav stalls, and the chaat stalls ! Also when ur broke, u can still manage 3 rupees from somewhere and buy a single gold flake lights at any time of the night ! Fukin hell ive gotta buy a carton here.
Things that i do not miss in mumbai - the traffic, the paan stains on every wall, the 1 am curfew on most pubs, the ban on dj's in most pubs thanks to " no performance liscense" ! arrrggggh !

 


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