A ticket to Mumbai …

Dear friends,

I hope that none of you will be too concerned by the title of this entry. To be honest, I had a bit of a funny feeling in my stomach when I booked the ticket myself, but I just have to go and see Mumbai, the soul of India. Let me explain it through the words of Gregory David Roberts, the author of Shantaram, who impressed me like no other writer before:

“I’ll talk about what’s happening in Bombay in the next few lines, but first, before you read any further, I want to ask you, I want to plead with you, to keep the faith with India and the city I love, Bombay. If we continue to visit the country and meet the people, if we spend our time in the beautiful chaos and chaotic beauty, if we spend our money in the bazaars and hotels, if we buy the books by great Indian writers, listen to the music by brilliant Indian composers and musicians, marvel at the splendour of Indian dancers, watch the captivating movies, wonder at the art galleries – in other words, if we go on opening our hearts to the best that India teaches us, the people who did this violence can never win.”

http://www.shantaram.com/

Besides, Mumbai at the moment is probably one of the safest places in India, and I am not planning to stay in Colaba, the main tourist district, if I can avoid it. Oh, but please do not tell my mum, as always

A thousand ways of traveling in India

My trip through India was very varied so far. The first two weeks in Tamil Nadu were intense and a real adventure. I felt a bit lonely sometimes, though, and suffered from the culture shock. Then the two weeks in the Ashram were out of this world, probably the most peaceful experience I ever had, although it did not really feel like being in India – most of the people in the Ashram came from the west – although I learnt a lot about Hindu traditions and rituals there. Then the week at the beach in Varkala – I was wearing a bikini in public. For anyone who knows India, I need not say more. Varkala is absolutely gorgeaous, but a big bubble for tourists from the West. Most indian guys would get a heart attack here!

Then, the last week, I traveled through Kerala’s natural paradise with my sister. This part of India is absolutely stunning – we went trekking amongst tea plantations in the Western Ghats, saw some wildlife in the reserve  in Periyar, enjoyed the nostalgic atmosphere in the harbour town of Cochin and now we’re back in Varkala and enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Arabian Sea. I have to admit that our trip was quite luxurious so far…and although I do not mind nice hotels and drivers at all (the day-long bus rides really were tiring in the end) I feel that the best of India remains hidden if you stay too comfortable.

Maybe that’s where my decision comes from: to go to Mumbai and immerse myself in the chaos again. The best you can learn in India is to let go of all expectations. This country is a complete chaos, yes, but it works. The people hold it together. And I think that is one of the most impressive things I ever experienced.

Elephant showers…

Now, I still have one more week in beautiful Kerala before I fly to Mumbai (on 19.01) and before I start telling you everything about elephant showers and spiritual freaks I met on the way, I better head down to the beach. Don’t they say you should always save some stories for the next chapter? There you go

I hope you all are well, wherever you are and whatever you do. In case you are getting a bit cold in Europe, feel the sunshine and heat I am sending you! Lots of love, Bianca