Mumbai was formerly known as Bombay. Bombay is a city that doesn’t just live; it breathes, pulses, and thrives with an energy that is unlike any other place I have visited this year which was scary and overwhelming at the start. It’s the financial capital of India, the land of Bollywood, and a melting pot of cultures, languages, and experiences. Living here has had moments of me questioning myself but I don’t regret it I’ve learnt so much about myself about being here which I don’t think I could of learnt from being in England. It has been one of the most exhilarating and transformative experiences.
The Magic of Mumbai: A City Like No Other
At first glance, Mumbai was overwhelming. The streets are crowded, the traffic is chaotic, and the weather is either oppressively humid or unbearably hot or even just both! But beneath this intense exterior, Mumbai has a certain magic. There’s something about the way the city never sleeps, how it hums with constant activity even at 2 AM! Despite at the start this was so overwhelming and didn’t think this was for I am so glad I dug deep and carried on, I can’t wait to come back to England to share everything but also to breathe clean air, not sweaty and see green grass!
The People
One of the most fascinating things about Mumbai is its people. Mumbai is home to over 20 million individuals, and each one is a character in the city’s grand narrative. The people of Mumbai are resilient, kind, and incredibly resourceful. Despite at the start, I wouldn’t agree with this with men coming up to me asking for money and trying to sell me stuff, I have grown in confidence and can say there are nice caring people in the city. Living in London in India there are so many tourists where which is nice to know but little English I have yet to find a but guess they are sensible and don’t come out in the peak of the summer!
The contradictions of Mumbai: Beauty in the Chaos
While Mumbai is a land of dreams, it is home to the biggest slum in the world. The glamorous skyline of South Mumbai with its posh restaurants, luxury apartments, and designer stores is just a stone’s throw away from the crowded slums of Dharavi. The glitter of Bollywood and the glamorous lives of its celebrities contrast sharply with the daily struggles of millions of people trying to make ends meet.
Mumbai’s slums, home to over 50% of the city’s population, are often depicted as a place of poverty and despair, yet they are also hubs of community, innovation, and resilience. It’s where some of the city’s most inspiring stories emerge—stories of entrepreneurs starting businesses from a street corner, children defying the odds to get an education, and families finding a way to live with little but making do with a lot of heart.
This contrast of wealth and poverty, of success and struggle, is part of what gives Mumbai its raw, unfiltered charm. The city doesn’t shy away from its challenges; it embraces them, and in doing so, it creates space for everyone to carve out their piece of hope.
Navigating Mumbai’s Heartbeat: The Daily Struggle
Living in Mumbai has been an exercise in patience and adaptability. The sheer volume of people in the city means that everything is a little more chaotic, and a little more fast-paced. I always get caught in traffic every journey, I sweat through the humidity and always face delays. But there’s a reason why the locals are known for their resilience. The city may have tested my limits, but it’s also taught me how to be resilient, flexible, and ever-optimistic which I am so proud of just sticking it despite the tears and not being able to say this is my home for 5 weeks.
Transportation:
The lifeblood of Mumbai is its public transport system. The local trains are both the city’s heartbeat and its biggest challenge. Every day, millions of locals pile into packed trains that stretch across the length and breadth of the city, crossing over the busy streets, under bridges, and through tunnels. I wish I had photos of this but people are hanging onto the train and just standing in the doorway. The trains might look overcrowded, but they’re also the most efficient way to navigate this sprawling city. A commute can feel like an adventure, but it’s also part of the daily rhythm of Mumbai.
Street Food: A Love Affair
No blog about Mumbai would be complete without mentioning its street food. From the beloved vada pav (a spiced potato fritter in a bun) to pav bhaji (spicy vegetable mash served with buttered bread) and bhel puri (crunchy puffed rice snack), Mumbai’s streets are lined with food vendors offering snacks that are as diverse as the city itself. Eating on the street isn’t just about food; it’s about tradition, community, and the joy of sharing moments with others.
Living the Dream
Living in Mumbai has taught me so much I have been able to embrace a city that never stops. It’s a place where opportunities are abundant, where dreams are pursued relentlessly, and where even the impossible feels within reach. It’s a city that has tested me and shaped me, in many ways, redefining my understanding of what it means to live in a world of contradictions.
But above all, I have learnt that deep down Mumbai is a city that loves to welcome anyone willing to take the plunge. One of many lessons I have learnt from this trip is that If you’re willing to face its challenges, you’ll find rewards beyond measure. The city might be chaotic, noisy, and crowded, but it’s also a place of boundless hope, ambition, and warmth. In Mumbai, there’s no such thing as an ordinary day. Every moment is alive with the potential of something extraordinary. And that’s what makes living here not just an experience—it makes it a lifelong adventure. I will be sad to leave but so excited to come home deep down. I would love to come back and visit to see the friends I’ve made, to see the children in Magic Bus and also to go and visit Goa!
Despite the tears and the Indian culture of taking every day as it comes, this trip has taught me so much more than I ever thought and I am so proud of myself for sticking at it. I can’t wait to share all the memories, and lessons and share what I have been up to with anyone. Only 23 more days till I can, maybe 24 just to give me an evening to settle back in at home and see the dogs and all of the other pets I have left.