Mumbai - Maria Zaman

Maria Zaman - Mumbai
Even before coming into Mumbai, I already knew that upon landing and touring the infamous city, I would constantly be making comparisons between India and Pakistan. Being an avid fan of Bollywood, knowing that I was going into the heart of the film industry was exciting enough to get me psyched. For one, Mumbai Airport was quite large, especially in comparison to Islamabad Airport. It most definitely resembled an international airport, more so holding similarities with Pakistan's Karachi Airport. Something which struck me early on once in the airport, was the extensive construction taking place; the airport was trying to be bigger and better through renovation.
We were greeted with a beggar even before boarding the bus in the form of a middle aged woman clutching a baby to her side, visibly pregnant herself. She made her rounds asking each of us for money, yet we were unable to provide her with any monetary support. Of course I felt bad, but then again this is the sad reality for not just India, but for many developing countries. Glued to the window on our way to the Somaiya University Hostel, dimly lit streets, congested stalls, and a lively environment surrounded us. Still grappling with the side effects of the fourteen hour flight, I fought the urge to fall asleep during the bus ride, but to no avail. Jostled by the bus stopping, I awoke to enter the hostel, entered my room, and fell asleep wondering what the heck awaited me.