Urban migration is a blessing in disguise for our generation, which prides itself in settling in cities. Especially, for those like us who come from the smaller towns. Besides being a financial capital, Mumbai teaches you some real life lessons too. So let me put down some points on how I learnt to survive in Mumbai.
1. ‘Maid’ in Mumbai?
Find a maid who can help you with the household chores plus more, depending on her capacity and your laziness. Remember; always be cordial to them, so they readily agree to do those odd jobs, for which you sometimes don’t have time (buying vegetables, folding clothes etc.). Instructions to them, must be specific since they like to follow them to the T. Like this one time, I told my maid to make some different gravy since everything tasted the same. The only ingredient that she changed was the amount of oil!
2. Just a Whatsapp away
Only in Mumbai, does a kirana (grocery) shop owner handout a visiting card to grocery shoppers. While you might still love being away from newer interfaces, the modern grocer doesn’t. Lately, my local grocer has moved to Whatsapp, where I can just ping him my requirements and he replies back with delivery time.
3. Food’ walks
Mumbai gives you a chance to delve into local flavors and in addition to that, opens the door to exotic cuisines you only would have read about, especially if you’ve come from a small town like me. Mumbai’s platter caters to every kind of food lover; from a simple vada pao to the exotic Gazpacho, all you need to do is be ready to explore. When it comes to Mumbai, everything sells, right from a Chocolate Sandwich, to a Chinese Dosa!
4. Commute hero
Before you make that move to Mumbai, watch American Football for some inspiration, to help you fight your way into a local train. But as brutal the Mumbai local trains are, simpler are the auto and taxi drivers. They always tender exact change and never overcharge. This is the only city where if the bill is INR 19, one rupee change would be given back to you.
As I enjoy my fifth year in this city, here’s wishing all the best to those who are planning to move to ‘amchi’ Mumbai,
