“What did you observe?” – Question of the Day
Today was the first full day of our
trip. After a breakfast of eclectic
tastes and new breads, we set off to the Gateway of India, a historical
sight meant to welcome in travelers from all over. We then navigated through back allies and
stairways towards a small water oasis, Banganga Tank, containing holy spring water where
people go to bathe. We then visited
Gandhi’s house and saw letters and journal entries he wrote, as well as
miniature scenes representing his life and journey. Lunch was interesting
because, in practice for when we get to the village, nobody could use silverware or their left hands. Finally we spent a few
hours traversing through an incredibly busy market. We fed cows in a sanctuary grass we had purchased,
encountered a workers' strike, and desperately tried to follow our guide Krishna
through the endless sea of people. While
the sights, sounds, and smells were overwhelming at times, Mumbai is
beautifully chaotic, each person lives their own intricate life separate but in
part with one another. What’s really
crazy is that these weren’t even the streets at their fullest. Today was a
holiday dedicated to Shiva so many people were praying in their homes or in
temples.
- Estella and Jacob
