“Home is not a place, it is a feeling”

A trip to India is like a pilgrimage.. a trip taken to reconnect with my roots, a trip taken to meet family, a trip to fulfil my inner need to visit my country, my home city, a trip which becomes a homage to the foods I so desperately miss and long for.

This time, it is different. My one and only sister lives in Bahrain – a city in Middle East which has all the trimmings of the West as well as being not that far away from India. The tall concrete and glass towers, the well kept roads, malls project a sense of opulence, success and wealth. But behind all glass and chrome there is so much uncertainty in the lives of all the residents – both native and foreigners. Whether life will continue as it is today if the global oil markets fail, what will happen if the so called underlying sectarian tensions erupt. This city which is such an unique blend of old and modern certainly has a lot to offer to the modern tourist.

Seeing my sister was amazing. We speak to each other almost every day but still greeted each other like we had not seen one another for years.. the bond between sisters is so precious, I nurture it with all my being. We had decided to make this trip back home together. It was going to be an unique experience.

Arriving in Mumbai is an experience by itself. The culture shock you have the moment you land and step out of the confines of the airport, is something you don’t experience anywhere. The sounds, smells, the dust, the chaos, the noise — is unique to Mumbai.

Even though I was brought up in this bustling city many many moons ago, it does not prepare you for the life in the city today. Technology has reached every corner with everyone carrying multiple phones, huge hoardings advertising all the latest there is to offer in home comfort. Cars and bikes everywhere, seems like there is always somewhere to go.. seems like life passes by at warp speed.

We have 3 weeks to be with each other and mum. Also to catch up with our extended family. Not to forget try out all the foods we miss but love. Looking forward to soaking this atmosphere and warmth before heading back home in 3 weeks.