The Local Experience
When you truly want to experience Mumbai like a local, you definitely need to have a Mumbai local experience. In this riddle of words, what I am trying to say is that the lifeline of this city are its local trains and the journey of exploration here is incomplete without them. Today was my first foray alone into a local train and despite my reservations, it was a fun and educational endeavor. In a below the-knee blue dress whilst adorning sensible flat footwear and carrying my sling purse, I was ready for my day out. One of the best things I felt today was the absence of people, specifically of the male variety, staring at me. The sense of acceptance and safety in Mumbai seems surreal. Whether the people just don’t care or they have been too exposed to women in all kinds of clothing that another girl in a dress in local train is no big deal; the freedom and to wear what I like without worrying is phenomenal.
It almost seems as if Mumbai in its indifference, it’s fast paced life, it’s too many people and its vast diversity does not have the time for trivial matters such as who is wearing what and when. I am glad for it.
The next stop in this trip was the famous and much-loved Marine Drive. I have to say that Queen’s Necklace is a very appropriate term for the absolutely stunning display of lights that the city puts after the dark. I could have sat there the whole night if it were possible, at peace in the middle of a bustling city and tasting the sea on the breeze that caressed my hair and cheeks. In such simple times, it is difficult not to love Mumbai instantly, one does not need elaborate luxuries and beauty for it.
Traipsing through a mall, eating my fill at a dessert festival and then ending my evening at Marine Drive. It can’t get better than this!
