I recently had the opportunity to travel to Mumbai, India, on a Rotary project. The project had started in my year as President with the Mareeba Rotary club in 2008-2009, where the years theme was Make Dreams Real.
That year, ten Mareeba Rotarians ran in the great wheelbarrow race from Mareeba to Chillagoe whilst raising $4500 for the street kids in Mumbai. Through my connections with a friend, Nina, Sherri and I travelled to Mumbai to distribute the funds raised.
Mumbai, formerly called Bombay is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra, it is the most populous city in India and one of the most populous cities in the world with a population of approximately 21 million.
It’s known for its chaotic street scenes and the outdoor bazaars top the list of attractions, for the bargains and the people-watching. Popular waterfront destinations are Marine Drive, where you can go watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea, and the carnival-like Juhu Beach. More sightseeing options are the Gandhi Museum, in the leader's former home, the cave temples of Elephanta Island and the Gateway of India which was opened on December 4, 1924, to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary visit in December 1911. For tranquility, Mumbai has many religious sites, lakes and parks.
Yes, I saw poverty, pollution, dirty streets, people sleeping on the streets, hunger, beggars, no sewerage or clean water, but I also saw determined people helping and planning projects and trying to make a difference in the society in which they live.
As a tourist, I will also always remember the distinct smells, the architecture, the food, the kindness shown to me by complete strangers, the warm welcome we received from the children and their families, the vibrant colours, the ladies carriage on the train, the culture, the shopping, the transport, the cows, the elephants, the taxis oh and for certain the chocolate bomb dessert at the coffee shop.
I will always remember the friendships, the curries, the shopping and the chocolate bomb desserts, but most of all I will always, always remember the faces of the children we met!
Oh, how I LOVED it and yes It was an amazing experience in so many ways and one that will stay with me forever! The Golden Question would I go back? – DEFINITELY
