Initial Thoughts

I am now about to end Day 3 in India. Still in Mumbai and given my heavy work meeting schedule I have not really had a lot of time to see much or do many touristy things.

I have been in Mumbai the entire time with my colleague, whom I will refer to here (until I get his permission) as New Raj. We have mostly seen the insides of some very nice hotels and restaurants, some pictures below. We have already had some very good meals. I am very thankful to have New Raj with me because he has been my guide, teacher, and advisor as I wade through this new and unknown country.

Some initial thoughts…

I don’t know if it is just me but most of the people I know that have been to India have had bad experiences. Everything from the poverty, to the sounds, to the number of people, to the food getting them sick, to the cleanliness, to the smells, etc. Suffice it to say, most people I know have had negative experiences in India. Here are some of my initial impressions.

India is a third world country and therefore you are going to see third world issues — abject poverty, lots of garbage and filth, and yes an abundance of odors (good and bad). However I guess my expectations are low because the nightmare scenario in my brain of an armless ogre begging me for money, constant trips to the bathroom, cows being in the street, and people invading my personal space have not yet happened. Perhaps they will or will not. Regardless I set a pretty low bar and thus far I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised.

Is the food very spicy, some of it, I have them make it mild for me. But it is doable. Is there poverty? Yes but nothing different than I have seen in China, Brazil, or parts of southeast Asia. Are there beggars and homeless people? Of course, but is that any different than Portland Oregon?

I have found most of the poeple very accomodating and nice. In fact several are giving up alot of their time to help connect me to the right people and make sure I have a good transition to living in India. People are giving me contacts of friends in the industries I need connections with, sacrificing their family time and weekends, and helping ensure I am not taken advantage of — so incredibly kindness.

It is monsoon season which means its pretty much been completely gray or pouring rain (for example, they have had more rain in the past 3 weeks here in Mumbai than Medford gets in an entire year). Having grown up in Seattle, it really doesn’t bother me because apparently after August I will get 9 months of sun — eat your heart out Seattleites!

This adventure has just begun, more to come. Its Friday night. We have a late dinner and who knows maybe we go crazy and have ourselves a beverage or two. I have never hit the town on a night out, fueled on vegetarian fare with measured amounts of gin. Ah to be young (middle aged) and professional!