Observation

There are clouds in the sky. I can't remember the last time I saw a cloud, let alone several clouds, in the Mumbai sky. It's always bright and sunny.

It hasn't rained since August, maybe September, when we were in the last monsoon. Though lately, it's been more humid, which is supposed to get worse as we near the next monsoon which should arrive the end of May or June.

Bogota always had the most amazing clouds, even when they were storm clouds. And it rained all year. Sunshine was the anomaly.

Bombay is such a change from Bogota. In more ways than just the weather.

Wedding Music

There's a big wedding tonight at the Catholic church on the end of my block. They've got curtains hanging around the edges and strings of lights hung across the plaza. There's a giant sound system at one end blasting music.

But it's India, so they're blasting Karma Kameleon and the Hokey Pokey. 

Keep It Clean

Just saw a man in a barber shop having his armpits shaved with a straight razor.

When the Going Gets Tough...the Tough Go Greek!

Mumbaikars (people from Mumbai) have an enormous toolbox of strategies for surviving life in the city. As an expat, though, it takes awhile to discover these, or to even realize how necessary they are to maintain one's sanity.

An expat's strategies might not be the same as a Mumbaikar's when it comes to surviving the city, but the sooner you start developing your toolbox, the better and easier life in Mumbai becomes. They can be little things like going for a massage or splurging on brunch at five star hotel. Or they can be big things like leaving the country every chance you get.

My strategies include finding ways to do the things that make me happy, like in my last post.  Another is to seek out the familiar and comforting company of fellow Greeks. There aren't many in Mumbai, or even in India, but of the few there are, they are welcoming and outgoing, and happy to find the time in their busy schedules for coffee and good conversation.

My Greek language skills are average at best, and I'm fully aware that I have no command whatsoever of Athenian day to day slang. But it's comforting to dust off my Greek, hear the familiar rhythm of both the language and its accent in other languages, and to share a common sense of humor and passion for life.

Nothing can compare...except maybe cervezas con paisas!

Finding Happiness

I made this list a few years ago, when I was thrown one too many obstacles in reaching my goals, and decided to re-evaluate what I really wanted out of life. It was the first of many list I would make as I eventually planned my move.

I came across it again today and it made me smile because I realized that I actually get to do most of these things on a regular basis. 

Mumbai is a tough place to live. It's filthy, it's traffic-congested, people spit, and men leer. But I'm actually able to do most of the things on this list that make me happy. So it gives me hope...that I might just survive this city.

*listed in no particular order, for no particular reason, with updates in italics for life in Mumbai

1. Swimming - laps mostly, but also just floating in the sea or under it - I use the school pool often and have already been to Goa and the Maldives

2. Gardening - digging in dirt, pruning, potting, smelling flowers or picking food...and killing slugs. And mostly just being outside. slowly putting together my balcony 'garden' but also visiting urban rooftop farms around the city

3. My niece and nephew - spending time with them, hearing about them or just looking at photos of them. Facebook and Instagram are great!

4. My sisters - including godsisters!  FaceTime makes a huge difference!

5. Having great friends - to laugh with, to walk with, to send postcards, to have serious conversations with - in person...or virtually over long distances  so many chat and photo sharing options, plus the occasional postcard 

6. Lying in my hammock - I've got TWO in my house!

7. Listening to my favorite podcasts - NPR, Radiolab, This American Life, Stuff You Should Know

8. Driving...and I'll add riding motorcycles here too - contemplating buying a car for next year, still waiting on a worthwhile motorcycle invite. 

9. Reading - books, magazines, blogs, cereal boxes... No TV, no regrets

10. Being in the theatre....backstage or in the house, painting sets or directing, singing or dancing - all day long!

Notice Board

The apartment society in my building posts important notices at the elevators to keep tenants informed. These are just a few: