If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I often get lost in airports. Knowing this, I made a plan for our trip to India. Since my fabulous boss and I were both traveling from Europe, I decided we should meet in Dubai for our connecting flight to India. It seemed like a foolproof way to avoid stress. However, things didn’t go quite as planned.
Timothy landed in Dubai before me. By the time I arrived, my phone wasn’t working, roaming was dead, and I couldn’t connect to any network. After several unsuccessful attempts to contact him, I decided to head straight for our next flight’s gate. Picture me sprinting through the airport, hoping for a miracle. Thankfully, Timothy spotted my pink hair just in time, and the first hurdle of our adventure was finally behind us.
Welcome to Mumbai: A City of Contrasts
We landed in Mumbai on the 22nd of February, ready to embrace the chaos and charm that the city is known for. From the moment we stepped out of the airport, Mumbai greeted us with a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and smells. The city, a true mosaic of cultures, blends tradition with modernity in a way that’s simply captivating.
Our first day in Mumbai was nothing short of an adventure. We got our first taste of the city’s infamous traffic jams, which, surprisingly, only added to the overall experience. After navigating the chaos, we indulged in a traditional Indian breakfast with Prathamesh and Neel —a delightful explosion of flavors that set the tone for our day. But the real adventure began when I realized I had made a serious mistake. Somehow, I had booked our hotel for the 22nd of March instead of February! Panic set in as I realized we had no rooms. While I was on the verge of a meltdown, Timothy remained calm, and our friend Neel quickly found us another hotel. How lucky I am to work with such people in WPMU DEV.
Exploring Mumbai: Tuk-Tuks, Markets, and More
Despite the initial hiccup, Mumbai didn’t disappoint. Over the next three days, we immersed ourselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, Neel being our guide. We worked remotely from a brewery—yes, work-life balance at its finest—enjoyed meals with our colleagues, and explored the local markets. Shopping for the upcoming wedding was an adventure in itself. We needed outfits for the Haldi ceremony and the pre-wedding dinner. Navigating the bustling markets of Mumbai was both exhilarating and exhausting, but our mission was a success. Saurabh and Madhura, Prathamesh and Saylee were assisting us in every move.
One of the most memorable experiences was riding in a tuk-tuk through the city. It felt like we were on a thrilling roller coaster, dodging cars and weaving through the busy streets. The constant symphony of car horns, the breeze on our faces, and the city’s energy made it unforgettable. Tuk-tuks are truly the best way to explore Mumbai. Plus, they’re super affordable and easy to find. With tens of thousands of them on the streets, you’re never far from your next adventure.
Another highlight was shopping with Saylee and Prathamesh. These two are masters of bargaining. Not that I understood much since most of the conversation was in Hindi, but their tactics were impressive. At one point, they nearly staged a mock divorce in front of a jewelry seller just to get me a better price. They outshone even my mom in bargaining skills! And that’s what diversity brings to the table.
Last but not least, something I noticed in Mumbai and Chandigarh. There is a women help line available and also the police line with specialized unit to assist any report for women in distress, harassment, emergencies, etc. That means we travel safe even when alone. Proud of the Indian authorities. Good job!
As our time in Mumbai drew to a close, I couldn’t help but marvel at the city’s ability to blend the old with the new, the serene with the bustling. Mumbai, with its unique rhythm and vibrant energy, had left a lasting impression on me.
Stay put for the next part of the trip!
