I realize that it's been about 2 weeks now since I came back to Scotland, but I'm still really thinking about my time in Mumbai. I must say that I miss it a lot. The city eats you up and gets under your skin (as well as your finger nails and the soles of your feet)! The last 3 months have been incredible and definitely the most fulfilling of my career so far. The reverse culture shock was difficult and I'm still feeling a little bit lost and confused by own country. It took me by suprise how quiet, spacious and cold Scotland is, but perhaps I'm gradually getting used to it again!
I packed the work in right up until the last moment. My last day was particularly memorable as I managed to connect up with Abishek Bharadwaj who campaigns for homeless families rights in Mumbai. There's a large population of homeless people from Rajasthan living in an area called Mahim, with one of the busiest roads in Mumbai, and I went to play my violin on the street at the start of rush hour for their children. It was so lovely to see the kids get involved and all the adults of the community were equally curious and happy to have me (I was welcomed so warmly into their street homes). I really enjoyed meeting them and hearing their stories and struggles. Enjoy the pictures:
And some trying out of my violin with the Dharavi Rocks kids - they LOVED the chance to get hands on with a 100 year old instrument!
My last day with Ayush was spent in a Muktangan school, and the kids decided that the best way to say good bye to me was to do the Highland Fling:
The morning of my last day was spent with my lovely friend Priya who took me to get some mehndi done on my hand...beautiful!
and with that....I wave bye bye for now! x
