Well, if you are right in NY or NJ, you’d be lucky to have a 19-20 hour journey door to door! This one was particularly long due to an added drive back home to MD from Philly. Agree about kids and sweating--my son has been sweating the trans continental flight since age zero every year;)
Welcome back! Loved reading this and thinking about a similar experience…I was directed to the kitchen of masterji’s house, his sweet daughter helped with fastening the curtain that partitioned their small work and living space.
Thanks, Shalini! Necessity is the mother of invention?;) Every year we visit, I am amazed at the new solutions for everything from kitchen ware to jewelry care on display in the market!
I miss India for those reasons and more! While I prefer the little Gujarati villages to the big city, I understand. Thank you for this glimpse of Mumbai.
You are welcome, C.L.! Where in Gujarat did you live? I did not know you were based in India, that’s cool!
Every year I visit, my first thought after stepping out of the airport is, how did I live here and bear the heat, humidity, and dirt. On day 3, I think, how could I not live here and how am I going to leave this beloved city?
I didn’t live in India, but I have visited several times to stay at my Guru’s ashram in a village called Nikora, near Bharuch (not far from Baroda). You can imagine the shock of Mumbai after a month in a village ashram!
Since I’ve only been in India during December and January, the heat didn’t faze me, but I miss being there.
I did once consider opening a Neapolitan-style pizzeria in Mt. Abu, but my wife talked me out of it…
Yes, Mumbai can be crazy for folks living in other parts of India too who are not from the city, and the country itself can be a shock to the folks born in the Occidental West. To get a feel and appreciation for the city, you have to stay for a long time as on the surface it’s noise, dirt, confusion, and chaos😀. A pizzeria in Mt. Abu sounds divine, I’ll visit if you open one:) You might also try visiting Bangalore and Mysore where we spend time (my in laws are from that area). It’s more peaceful and green, but lacks a certain nutty gritty character;)
C.L. -- I have some pictures from that Vithoba (Krishna) neighborhood temple in India I was talking to you about before I left. I can post them here or do you want to send me an email at prabhala.anu@gmail.com so I can respond there?
Vithoba is Vishnu, I typed in a hurry, sorry, but I’ll send the idol pics anyway. They are stunning and 408 years old--as old as the temple! The priest there who is 80, has been giving discourses on the Dyaneshwari for 50+ years. I introduced my son to him this time:)
I agree about making kids sweat a bit! (Forgive my paraphrasing). A 34 hour flight? That doesn't appeal very much I have to say.
Well, if you are right in NY or NJ, you’d be lucky to have a 19-20 hour journey door to door! This one was particularly long due to an added drive back home to MD from Philly. Agree about kids and sweating--my son has been sweating the trans continental flight since age zero every year;)
yes, it's the non-flight bits that take the time. I once did 24 hours door to door, that was tiring!
I love the way you find meaning and depth around you so easily and roll a story
Thank you, Jessica! All I do is listen to my heart, and write:)
Wow Anu mast ekdum
Thanks! Bhuta Niwas memories❤️
Welcome back! Loved reading this and thinking about a similar experience…I was directed to the kitchen of masterji’s house, his sweet daughter helped with fastening the curtain that partitioned their small work and living space.
Thanks, Neha! That sounds like quintessential Mumbai❤️
Love your article. Indians always fascinates me with their creativity and zeal.
Thanks, Shalini! Necessity is the mother of invention?;) Every year we visit, I am amazed at the new solutions for everything from kitchen ware to jewelry care on display in the market!
Lovely article, life as survival of adaptate is much more fun 😀
Thank you, Padma!
I miss India for those reasons and more! While I prefer the little Gujarati villages to the big city, I understand. Thank you for this glimpse of Mumbai.
You are welcome, C.L.! Where in Gujarat did you live? I did not know you were based in India, that’s cool!
Every year I visit, my first thought after stepping out of the airport is, how did I live here and bear the heat, humidity, and dirt. On day 3, I think, how could I not live here and how am I going to leave this beloved city?
My husband grew up in Baroda!
I didn’t live in India, but I have visited several times to stay at my Guru’s ashram in a village called Nikora, near Bharuch (not far from Baroda). You can imagine the shock of Mumbai after a month in a village ashram!
Since I’ve only been in India during December and January, the heat didn’t faze me, but I miss being there.
I did once consider opening a Neapolitan-style pizzeria in Mt. Abu, but my wife talked me out of it…
Yes, Mumbai can be crazy for folks living in other parts of India too who are not from the city, and the country itself can be a shock to the folks born in the Occidental West. To get a feel and appreciation for the city, you have to stay for a long time as on the surface it’s noise, dirt, confusion, and chaos😀. A pizzeria in Mt. Abu sounds divine, I’ll visit if you open one:) You might also try visiting Bangalore and Mysore where we spend time (my in laws are from that area). It’s more peaceful and green, but lacks a certain nutty gritty character;)
who is your guru? I visited an ashram once -- in Los Angeles!
Her name is Shri Anandi Ma, and most of the year she lives in Northern California. https://dyc.org if you’re interested.
Whose ashram in L.A.?
Swami Muktananda https://www.babamuktananda.com/ 😄
C.L. -- I have some pictures from that Vithoba (Krishna) neighborhood temple in India I was talking to you about before I left. I can post them here or do you want to send me an email at prabhala.anu@gmail.com so I can respond there?
I sent an email - either is fine. And happy Krishna Janmashtami!
Vithoba is Vishnu, I typed in a hurry, sorry, but I’ll send the idol pics anyway. They are stunning and 408 years old--as old as the temple! The priest there who is 80, has been giving discourses on the Dyaneshwari for 50+ years. I introduced my son to him this time:)