Llorene

I’ve been meaning to write about the many paradoxes of India- Mumbai more specifically, as I have seen thus far. What do I mean when I say paradox? It has to be the contradictions that exist in what I have seen.

Let me explain a bit more.

Rickshaws are great examples of a paradox that I mean to explain. Auto rickshaws are common methods of transportation to get around the city. On the outside they are uniform in sizes and colour, and even look a bit rusted and worn out from the bumpy roads that they face everyday. However, it’s so unexpected to see that when you step into some rickshaws- they are equipped with big subwoofers—essentially huge speakers that would make you think that Xzibit from Pimp My Ride had something to do with it.

Riding the trains here in India, one can find great unexpected things. Such as women wearing traditional clothing- dressed in sarees and kurtas. As you look closely, you’ll see that they are also wearing headphones- most of them equipped with MP3 players or a mini iPod.

Other great examples are the many neighbourhoods here in Mumbai. It is not uncommon to see great high rises with guards guarding the gate- and right across from them, slums that can be found everywhere. As well, the facades of buildings here, especially office buildings and apartment buildings seem to look dilapidated and worn out from the monsoon rains that come and go during the year, and yet the inside are well kept, with what looks to be marble flooring and over all very posh-looking places. I was also told that Indians will keep their houses very clean, but will neglect their surroundings, as many would not mind littering or dumping things outside of their house. As a result, streets can be found to be untidy- or perhaps that’s an understatement.

Even the lady that we met with the other day from the Non Profit organization was a bit of a contradiction. She preached about how she wanted to clean up the city; as well as how she was against the new high rises that are being constructed that seem to flood the city. She claimed that these high rises will block the cityscapes, and the lovely views. And yet, she herself lives in high rise building- on the 9th floor of the building, which overlooks South Bombay.



I’m not saying that in a country like India these things can’t coexist. But certainly, there are a lot of things that I have come to see to be somewhat of an unexpected thing. I guess that’s what makes India so interesting. The paradoxes and unexpected things that we have seen just add to India’s appeal. It also makes one take a closer look at everything.

I sit here on the balcony which overlooks the coconut trees and other tropical trees, contemplating about what to include in my reflections with regards to turning 22. Though I tease about the fact that I’m getting old—I truly am grateful.

I turned 22 years old 2 days ago, and I am taking this time to reflect about the past year. Where to start—as I have had an incredible year full of blessings.

I am grateful for my amazing family and friends who have given me so much love, support and encouragement over the last year. My nephews who have put a smile to my face; my sister for continuously being my role model; my parents for ensuring that I am provided with whatever my heart yearns for- and all of my other family members who have continuously given me so much love- and have shown it one way or the other- I am grateful.

Memories of the past year has also included numerous moments with my friends. Whether it is the late night stroll through Montreal, or perhaps the late night talks that I have had with several people- about our future plans, what stresses us out or perhaps any other gossip that we would like to share. I am grateful.

How can I forget the wonderful new people that I have become friends with- through CCY and also the new faces here in India. I truly am blessed.

Of course I am grateful to the One above who has made it possible for all of these to happen- for without Him, nothing is possible. One of the many blessings was that He has given us Zack Zack, the great bundle of joy – an addition to our family. I am truly grateful.

It’s definitely hard to find the words to describe how lucky I feel and how grateful I am for the many people that have been there for me- and also the vast opportunities that have come my way.

Thank you. Thank you. Words may not be able to express what you all mean to me, but surely I will try to thank you many times over.


How I spent my Birthday

I was having a bit of an identity crisis- well maybe not an identity crisis, but I was not certain where I belonged for a bit—let me explain. At the stroke of midnight on May 23rd, here in Mumbai, I began to wonder—Is it really my birthday yet? Due to the time differences, that would mean that it would only be 2.30pm May 22nd in Toronto, but since I was born in the Philippines, it would already be 2.30 am May 23rd there. I quickly got over my confusion, and just decided to celebrate my birthday as long as I can.

I was deeply touched at the warm wishes that I received at the stroke of midnight from the new friends I have made here in AIESEC Mumbai.

Left: Being fed with a brownie cake by Sonam. No worries, the knife is just for the cutting of the cake- no bloodshed that night for sure. In my right hand, I'm holding my very own Rang de Basanti DVD.

We traveled to South Bombay for an appointment with the head of an NGO called Clean Mumbai. I have to say, this CEED experience really does open up one’s perspectives on the world. This lady is truly passionate about cleaning up this city- however, with over 12 million people in the city, and a huge stretch of the city which contains unkept roads and overrun with slums- many have told her that it cannot be done. But she perseveres. She is determined to clean up the city, by initiating projects that would educate the storekeepers to keep their surroundings clean and ensuring that they have ownership over their nearby surroundings.

After our meeting, I had told Sneha- the AIESECer that we are currently staying with, that if possible, I would like to attend a church mass, as I usually do on my birthday. And so, on our way to ChurchGate station, we found a nearby church. However, since the mass was not to start until an hour later, we walked to a nearby WestSide store, and I treated myself to a couple of kurtas. Yup the shopping has begun.

Following the shopping and the mass service, we made our way up to Santa Cruz again, to get freshened up and go out for dinner with the rest of the gang. Dinner was at a place called Pop Tate’s in Andheri where we were served with sizzlers. I was surprised with a cake- and of course the birthday song was sung. I was also surprised with a gift—a dvd for my collection- Rang de Basanti.

When we finally got back home, I really wanted to watch Rang de Basanti as a lot of people here have been talking about it. And so, Sneha and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning and tackled the 3 hour long movie. After which, at 4am, I got a late night phone call from my sister.

It was truly a great Burrrrday.

Right: In front of Pop Tate's. Back row: Abbas, Bhuvan, Advait. Front row: Sonam, me, Angela, Vivek and Nakul. Sneha took this picture and is therefore not in it. Shoutout to her.

Left: Juhu Beach- the waters are part of the Arabian Sea.We're currently staying with Sneha, the VP of Incoming Exchange for Development Traineeships. Her building flat is right on the beach front. As it was the middle of the afternoon here- no one was on the beach, because it's just too hot.







Right: A bunch of AIESECers from AIESEC Mumbai. L-R: Maria (intern from Sweden), Smira, me, Sneha, Malika, Smita and Anushka. This was part of our Heritage walk- where we saw the historic sites of South Bombay, and learned a lot too. This picture was taken at Kala Ghoda.






Left: This is my tribute to my Algerian twin- Dalal- who is currently in Ecuador. Dalal Street is a famous street in Mumbai- how they explained it is it's like Wall Street in New York. Mi amiga, espero que tu estes bien en Ecuador.



Right: After a day of walking around South Bombay, we went out for some Pizza at Mama Mia's. This is us chilling outside the place, waiting for a table for 11.





Left: Went for a swim after the trek around South Bombay. Nice way to cool off for sure.


Right: The AIESECers enjoying Gola (their version of Sno-Kones)- a block of shaved ice dipped in a flavoured syrup. Sadly, because of our Canadian stomachs, we could not enjoy this wonderful treat. Check out their multi- coloured tongues.

(I'm from Canada.)

Yup I’ve been learning some Hindi. I’ve also been learning how to cross the roads here, though that seems to be tougher.

Although the weather here is a definitely a change from the 15 degree weather that I left back in Toronto, the deep green leaves of the tropical trees help with the shade and also makes for a cool breeze.

We’ve been here for a week, and yet it still feels unreal that we have landed in a very different land- with different people, different food, different modes of transportation and a different set of AIESECers. What seems to be familiar AIESEC-wise are the problems that we face in our Local Committees (LCs).

Left: Angela, Aziza and Me in front of the Victoria Terminal train station.

Yes we've landed.

I have to admit I was definitely apprehensive and anxious about arriving here. I had no idea who was going to pick us up or where we are going to stay. A late night phone call to Vaithegi did calm my fears though- and she had reassured me that everything will be taken care of.

I was definitely glad to see three seemingly looking strangers who approached us and asked, "AIESEC?" A sigh of relief came over me- because although they seemed like strangers- a warmth of familiriaty was also in the air.

Passing through the roads of Mumbai, I really can't help but think of Manila as I had remembered it. The palm trees that sway in the warm tropical breeze, the traffic jams and honking cars that occur even at 1:00 in the morning, also the street vendors showcasing their wares. And though I know it's not Manila, the thought that I have seen something familiar to this gives me a bit of comfort.

One thing that I am certainly happy about is the warmth of the AIESECers that I have come to know here. I have received nothing but a warm welcome from all of them. Bhuvan, our host from AIESEC Mumbai has been wonderful and his family has welcomed us and I am very thankful for that.

Day 1--
We also met with other AIESECers, especially the new and old MC. And though I must admit that I don't remember all of their names- as I met 20 of them today, what sticks out in my mind is certainly the friendliness and warm hospitality we have been greeted with. Indian hospitality is truly something to be experienced. I really feel very well taken care of.

It's so pleasant to see the new MC- and not only that- they are very eager to talk to us and get to know us. Although I know that they are in the middle of transition- and are very busy- work was put on hold for a bit to ensure that we are okay. I will certainly miss this. I know that I will miss this type of mindset. Relationships are certainly more important than the work that needs to be tended to.

On to the experience of commuting. Today was our first time on the Mumbai trains and auto rickshaws. Yes- Indian drivers are well-- shall we say they have their own interesting way of getting around. Certainly not the type of traffic I am used to in Toronto. Not to mention having to cross a street with these drivers! But sensing our fears about crossing, the AIESECers here took our hand and led the way.

The day went by quickly, but it was a day well spent meeting with everyone. We went to a pub in Bandra with the old and new MC. An experience as well. When we got there, there were no lights, I think the power had gone out. But we went in anyway, and the place was quiet but full of people amidst the candlelights and flashlights. Finally, within about 10 mins of us there, the power was back on, and the hip-hop music came on the loud speakers.

The food
I am loving the food. It's all new to me, and I can't remember most of what I've been eating- but it's awesome I'm really enjoying it. And for you who may be worried about whether I can handle the spice, it's actually not that bad. Well, I guess it's also that our hosts have accommodated us and have made it so that the food is not so spicy for our tastes.

More to come of my reflections soon. Today we're going to have some chai and meet with the VP of People Development.

Sitting here in my room with less than 5 hours until take-off, I still don't feel as though it has hit me yet. I was told this is the norm. Perhaps, I will be sitting on the plane and while eating my yogurt, it would hit me then.

I'm really not sure what to expect. The heat and humidity, the crowd and the neverending traffic jams, the gorgeous scenes-- all about 24 hours away.

I'm not sure either if I've prepared myself fully for this trip, aside from packing the cotton shirts, the souvenirs etc. My mind doesn't seem to be able to fathom the thought of being in a completely different place, with completely different people-- not yet anyway.

I guess we'll just see.

Next post: Indiaaaa baby!