What I miss most about Mumbai
Both born and bred Mumbaikars and ex-expats will agree that away from Bombay, there is a lot to miss. These are the things I remember the most.
I miss my little kitchen at the Pali Palace. It was far from an ideal space; cramped and empty.
It was lacking in elemental kitchen resources, like a salad bowl and a bread knife. It was lacking in design principles: there was no counter, and no ceiling fan. It was enough for me. I miss coming home in the evenings, cooking barefoot; sweating and sticky from the heat in the room; eating on my bed that doubled as a dining table, couch and storage area; falling asleep satisfied after a long, exhausting, wholly worthwhile day. Despite the yells of the kids in the hall, I slept better in sound than I sleep today in silence.
I miss being surrounded by awe-inspiring people, especially women, who had surpassed their circumstances.
I miss the colour, design, detail and texture of everyday things.
I even miss the gross things, and there were a lot of them. Crows, butcher shops, fish markets and trash smells were only a couple of chapters in the novel that you could write on gross things in Bombay.
I miss being a Bandra socialite with other Bandra socialite friends, especially Maeve, pictured being glamorous at Eat Around the Corner.
More than anything, I miss the detailed beauty and inspiration in everyday things.
Lovely post as usual . I can relate just miss it more as time goes by.
What an evocative post and photos. Just beautiful. It was a gentle reminder to be grateful that I’m still in Mumbai. Wish you were here too. x
I just found out about your writing from a co-worker. Your writing is so genuine, and really like poetry. The way you make little details spring to life. Thanks for making my day!
Hello Emmon,
Thank you so much for visiting. I’m glad you are enjoying my writing! Thanks again.
Such lovely pictures! Being a Bandra girl myself, I’ve never quite stopped and really looked. Your pictures are inspiring.
Keep em coming! x