A city of Dreams: Mumbai
- Nikki Powell
- Jul 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Mumbai:
I was born in Mumbai. But it was called “Bombay” at the time. Though I moved out of the city at the ripe old age of 3, I returned every year to spend holidays with my grandparents. They had some amount of money, so I lived in the fancy, uptown area of Bandra. Years later, it isn’t quite that posh, but still has pockets that are very posh. Many film stars, including Shahrukh Khan live in the area, because it is relatively quiet, it that word can be used for Mumbai.
Mumbai never sleeps. People are always going somewhere. The local trains are always overflowing, literally. People are hanging out of doors. See the pictures to believe it! It is definitely a city of crazy contrasts. The first time I went to New York, I felt right at home! The energy was similar to the energy of Mumbai. Perhaps because of the tall skyscrapers. Perhaps because it was the only city in the US that I had been to, that had so many people walking on the streets. Perhaps because everyone didn’t own their own vehicle and there was a lot of public transportation.
Any which way, Mumbai is like a whole bunch of different worlds crammed into one city. One minute you might be stepping out of a fancy air-conditioned mall, with all the big brands and people sipping lattes, and the next you're dodging rickshaws and street vendors in a bustling market that feels straight out of a movie.
Some of the wealthiest people live in Mumbai. So do some of the poorest. You'll see towering skyscrapers with infinity pools right next to massive slums, where families live in tiny shacks. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it's also a reminder of the city's raw energy and never-ending hustle.
Speaking of hustle, the pace of life here is insane! People are always on the move, whether they're rushing to work, squeezing onto a crowded train, or haggling for the best deal at a market. It's a city that thrives on chaos, and somehow, it all works out in the end. But hey, in the middle of all this craziness, you'll also find these beautiful pockets of serenity. There are hidden gardens tucked away in the middle of the city, serene temples where you can find peace amidst the noise, and stunning beaches where you can relax and watch the sunset.
Mumbai is a city that assaults all your senses, but in the best way possible. It's a place that will stay with you long after you leave, a place where the contrasts paint a truly unforgettable picture.
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