Wednesday 28 May 2014

"- What I will miss from Mumbai?"

Ok. Let me just immediately assure you: No. I. Am. Not. Leaving. Mumbai.

Well, I will go away for holiday in some weeks - home to Norway and home to Greece, and then I will be back home in India again. But the thing is: when I get back, many of my friends will not be here. Because they will leave Mumbai for good. And the goodbyes can be hard. That pain of hugging a friend for the last time, and not really knowing if or when or where we will meet again.

I know. I know. Expat or not, it can be tough to say goodbye, but for me it seems extra tough here, because the friends I have made, have become really close friends - (maybe a substitute for the friends and family from back home who are not here?). And in between farewell brunches and lunches and gatherings and parties, in between tears and tight hugs, we do manage to celebrate too. Celebrate the funny moments, the laughs and crazy things we have done together. Celebrate good friends and good times. Celebrate friendship. And as we hang out: the good stories are brought back to live, and then the discussions often turn in to Oh, I am gonna miss this and that and Oh, I am so not gonna miss this and that.

Some are happy to leave, some are sad and some are both. Some will miss the food (and that list of dishes is a long one, I tell you), and some will miss the Cash-on-delivery services. Some will miss their stake out cafe, the driver, the festivals and the shopping fabrics and clothes. Some will miss traveling in India, the warm climate, the lady tailor and the guy at the vegetable stall. Many will miss their friends - who either are leaving as well or who will stay behind. Most mention that they will miss people. People they have met through their time in Mumbai.

One afternoon I am in a coffee shop with my friend who is also getting ready to pack up and leave with her family. She is originally from New Delhi, and now after 4 years in Mumbai, they are being relocated to Singapore - Hm, What I will miss from Mumbai? She is thinking, looking out of the window, has another sip of her tea, and looks back at me:
- You know. I always thought I would jump of joy the day I would leave Mumbai, Eli. Dirty, dusty, polluted, with garbage slum and poverty. What was this? Awful. I thought I hated it. And yet. She is mine, this city. She is a part of me, and I can't really say why.   
And as we walk out in the hot hot humid Mumbai evening, she smiles, but still looks a bit sad as she hugs me: - What I'll miss from Mumbai? I'll miss you, my friend. And that is what it's about isn't it? The people. The friends. The good moments. That's what we should celebrate, every single step of the way. So, here's to my dear friends who are leaving and to those who are not..

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart...  

Happy travels friends - and until we meet again:-)

Traveling is not just seeing the new, it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors, also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes. 
Jan Myrdal


Sunset at Chowpatty - pic by my daughter:-) 

39 comments:

  1. I so relate to this affinity to Mumbai. They say 'you can take a person out of Mumbai but you can never take Mumbai out of a person.'
    Have an amazing trip Eli! Mumbai shall embrace you as always when you're back :)

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    1. Aaaawww, so true Vinodini:-) Thank you so much for your kind words

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  2. A lovely post, Eli. I love the fact that you write so eloquently about my home. :) Yes, it does become second skin no matter how much you believe otherwise.
    Have a lovely trip back home.

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    1. Thank you so much. Your kind words make me very happy:-)

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  3. Your words touch me, Eli. How much you must love the city to talk so brilliantly about every nuance. Happy and safe travels. Stay blessed.

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    1. Thank you so much dear Shailaja:-) So happy for your kind words:-)

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  4. Beautifully written
    http://www.ananyatales.com/

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  5. Awwww Eli! Goodbyes are tough, always.
    Have a wonderful holiday!
    Sorry you'll miss your friends...and thank heavens for technology so you can keep in touch!

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    1. Thank you so much dear Vidya! That is true:-)

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  6. So interesting to see Mumbai from your viewpoint, Eli. Have a good trip back to Norway and Greece. Yes, I'm sure you'll miss those special friends for sure. It does sound like it's been an amazing experience for you, both the good and the bad.

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    1. Thank you Cathy! So happy to see you here, and get your kind words:-) Hugs

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  7. I hate goodbyes but it seems life is simply full of them!

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  8. Dearest Eli,
    Oh, we know that feeling too well. Yes, friends are a real substitute for family that is FAR, far away. It is different than the friends we used to have before we immigrated, not that they mean less but it is the intensity with which we created those FAR away new friendships.
    While working for Pond's India we became friends with one of the staff members Sarath Chandra and his sweet wife Sudha who was from Hyderabad. Her husband got promoted within the company so we never saw them again in the Ooty area while working there for about 10 years. Wish I could locate her!
    But however painful such a teary good bye hug is; life goes on and it makes us stronger and yet grateful for finding such treasures of friendships along our road through life...
    Big hug to you!
    Mariette

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    1. Dear Mariette, Thank you so much for sharing, and for good words - it is true - the treasures of friendship:-) Hugs to you

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  9. Have a fun filled holiday!!

    Beautiful farewell note.

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  10. a lovely post .. memorable send off to all ur friends... Wish you make new friends soon..

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    1. Thank you so much dear Smitha:-) So happy for your kind words:-)

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  11. Goodbyes are hard...
    I'm leaving Mumbai too for a few months. I had hoped we could meet before that but it's been too rushed. Will connect with you when I'm back!

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    1. Yes, they are... Well, happy travels to you too Corinne:-) Looking forward to having you back in Mumbai and see you then:-) Hugs

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  12. Memories of wonderful times shared with friends make any place more special..goodbyes may be tough but you will always treasure the memories!!!

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    1. That is so true!! So happy to see you here, and thanks for your kind words:-)

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  13. There's just something about Mumbai :) have a good trip! :)

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    1. There certainly is!:-) Thank you so much:-)

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  14. It's a touching post. I can feel the bond you have with the city....I admire your sacrifice to adopt Mumbai as your new city. Yes, farewells are hard....I know. Stay in touch and have a wonderful time at Norway...

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    1. Aaaww, thank you so much for your always so kind words Jayanta:-) I so appreciate it:-)

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  15. I can understand how you must feel, Eli. Goodbyes can be difficult! But perhaps you will feel better when you are back home at Norway & Greece...you will be bringing new memories, new experiences when you return to Mumbai :) Take care and have a wonderful time traveling.

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    1. Thank you so much dear Beloo:-) So happy to see you here and for your kind words. It means a lot:-) Hugs

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  16. I miss Mumbai everyday - so many of my memories are etched in her streets and in the faces of people near and dear. We never truly leave because a part of our souls remain behind and if I close my eyes I'm back there in the city I love. Lovely picture of Chowpatty.

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    1. Aaaawww - thank you for sharing Suzy... That is so true. I so appreciate your kind words dear:-) Hugs your way

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  17. I know this feeling Eli. The city grows on you like anything and our soul remains etched in maxi city. Sometimes, it can be painful coz Mumbai has given me so much and defined who I am, as a person. Also agree with what Vinodini has to say on the city.
    Gosh! Dunno when I gonna be back!!

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    1. Aaaaww - thank you for sharing Vishal - you are so right! So happy for your kind words and support:-)

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  18. Happy Holidays to you Maam and your family,
    Regards
    Bhavikk shah

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    1. Thank you so much:-) So happy to see you here:-)

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  19. you expressed it so well. It's the memories and friends we miss the most. The hot humid climate or pollution, everything takes a back seat and somehow we end up loving the city.

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    1. Aaaaww, that is so true Rajlakshmi- couldn't agree more:-) Thank you:-) Hugs

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  20. Lovely Eli!! I feel you girl...goodbyes can be really hard! Sigh...
    Have a fabulous time back home...muaahh!

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