Overpopulation and Yummy Food

I was in Bombay, and missed writing to you!

Hi friend,

I was in Mumbai last week.

I thought I’d write this newsletter issue on my phone during the flight and send it to you on Sunday, but that clearly didn’t happen… So here’s me appearing in your inbox mid-week!

I went to record a podcast for one of my friends, Dhairya Gangwani.

I also went to chill, go out, and network with some of my LinkedIn buddies who I’ve known for nearly 3 years now.

Fun fact: I wanted to settle in Bombay (the new name Mumbai sounds odd) during my college days.

It’s because it just seemed to be so… chill.

But once you grow up, your perspectives change drastically.

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My first impression was how overpopulated it was.

And I am not from the mountains or Scandinavia, I am from Delhi, which is overpopulated in every sense.

But Bombay was something else.

During my cab journey (which might be the most commute I have done in a long time), I’d look outside in awe with my eyes wide open.

Never have I seen so many people… together, on the footpath or road or even in a restaurant.

Everyone is in the city for opportunities, employment, and money. And from what I have heard, the city does an impeccable job of providing for people.

There is some energy in the pulse of it, perhaps it’s the speed of everyone hustling.

Now, let’s come to the slower (and sweeter) things of life.

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The food.

The food is bursting with flavours. Unsurprisingly, the portions are slightly lesser for an exorbitant price. But I’m not complaining because it was my choice to go to ultra fine-dines that I’d wishlist years ago.

These places were Yautcha and Bastian.

I also tried a Mexican restaurant called Lyla where the quesadillas were amazing.

Also it was so cool to get 3 types of mangoes from 3 different states of India, along with some froyo on top:

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By the time I was done, I was tired out of my nerves.

I landed in Delhi to be welcomed by a storm, but grateful to have made it in the cab 5 minutes before it started. If I had taken any other flight, it would’ve been diverted. If I’d waited longer to get a cab, I’d be engulfed in dust.

The ETA to home which was 33 min became 75 minutes. Our car was shaking and I thought the windows would break.

But at least I was safe, and with a bottle of water. I saw everyone on 2 wheelers standing on the side waiting for this to end.

By the time I reached home, I saw a few fallen trees.

The next morning, everything was covered in dust.

But at least I slept well. At least I don’t have to communicate for 2-3 hours like the past 3 days.

And well home just feels like, home… No other place like it.

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By the time you finish reading this, I’ll be away for a vacation.

And I will see you in 10 days.

Love,

N

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PS: Summit 21 starts in a few weeks!