Weotta Love Mumbai
A brief tribute…
Sipping spicy ginger infused chai on the balcony, mesmerized by the blood red hues of the warm sun rising high above the calm sea…listening to the wild sounds of birds waking at dawn. Then almost instantly, the calm darkness in Mumbai transforms into a vibrant, pulsing energy known only to those who have walked her streets, shopped her markets or strolled along her waterfront promenades. Each voice, step and sound blending together in a harmonious vibration that continues to feed India’s ever evolving, ancient and colorful rhythm.
Sunrise over Mumbai
After a week at my sister’s apartment in Colaba, I was settled into a daily routine that officially began only after my second cup of chai. Soon following would be hours spent adoringly playing with my 9 month old niece, reading the most colorful journalism only the Mumbai Mirror can spin, and determining the lunch and dinner menus of the day. Don’t be fooled, the latter was no small task. My mom, being a phenomenal, adventurous and passionate cook, loved to venture far out of Gujarat’s traditional cuisine and introduced her girls to all of India through her food. Raised on a completely vegetarian diet, it became almost a game of hide and seek with my memory to recall the most obscure, exotic and unique dishes from my youth. Pani Puri, Dal Dhokli, Dahi Vada…yum.
Matunga Vegetable Market
Outside of my domestic life in South Mumbai, I purchased sandalwood, mango wood and marble handicrafts in a Gandhi inspired store (no bartering allowed); took the local train to buy fresh vegetables and eat pan with my Mom on the Matunga street markets; and, while adorned in the likes of Ravissant and Tarun Tahiliani, admired the latest saree fashion with my sister at a wedding reception at the famous Turf Club. I also visited the famous Taj Hotel on Republic Day of India to pay homage to those slain during the 11/26 terrorist attacks. Although some windows and surfaces are still shattered, the Tree of Life memorial in the central lobby overshadows the terror, and instead fills your heart with the bravery of those who lost their lives defending others.
Tree of Life Memorial, Taj Hotel
It has been 2 weeks since I arrived back home and it is a challenge to retain the same rejuvenated, inspired and balanced energy I found during my trip to India. How do I keep Mumbai in my heart? With a little effort…I wake up early and recreate the enchanting mornings in my own home: standing on the balcony, watching blue and purple waves float across the sky towards the Pacific, I somehow transport myself after taking an invigorating whiff of cloves, cardamon and black pepper swimming in my mug.
It’s uncanny, but there is something about starting your day with hot homemade chai that can truly channel the warmth of India deep into your body, lift your spirit, and maybe even touch your soul for the day.
Next tribute: Gujarat, India.
