My time in Mumbai was interesting, to say the very least. It was a world completely different from my own and I definitely experienced a case of culture shock!

On our first day there, it was raining. Just driving to our first destination was an adventure. Driving is completely different in India due to the sheer volume of people. Lanes are virtually nonexistent, and the traffic congestion requires some people to leave their houses two-and-a-half hours early to ensure they arrive on time. Even crossing the street is an adventure — or a game of life and death,  in my opinion. Pedestrians just cross wherever and whenever they feel like it. There are no crosswalks or pedestrian right-of-ways. I just ran behind the rest of my group and hoped for the best.

The sightseeing was lacking a bit, due to the time of the year. The monsoon season prevented us from doing and seeing a lot of the unique sights in Mumbai. I did see the Gandhi Memorial, a temple, an art gallery, the Gateway of India and the Taj Hotel. And, of course, we did some shopping!

Another thing to be prepared for if you are planning a trip to Mumbai is the poverty. To Americans, the poverty is unlike anything you have probably ever seen before. It is pervasive; you cannot escape it. Everywhere you look are tin huts, tents and other makeshift housing. People live near the above-ground sewer systems, under buildings that look near collapse, and on every available bit of sidewalk space. And one certainly would not expect that Mumbai is a city of great wealth by taking a look around. All the buildings are dilapidated and grimy. As a Westerner walking the streets, I could feel the looks and stares from the people, curious at my different dress, and you could see a hint of wonderment in their eyes.

I was a bit unprepared for the animals roaming the streets (chickens, goats, bulls, dogs, cats), but all in all, it was an invaluable experience for me. I am glad I was able to see a world completely different from my own. And, just a short plane ride away, in Kerala, my next destination, is a world, in many senses, that is worlds away from Mumbai. Stay tuned next week!

-Kimberly Krol, Circulation and Public Relations Executive