But before that, an update on what I did in Mumbai today. I went for a tour of the Dharavi 'slums', called the largest slums in the world, and home of the highest population density as well. I was rather apprehensive about going, not because of safety, but because of not wanting to just be a gawping tourist, looking at the poor people.
But the Reality Tours tour was great, and we were shown around by a current inhabitant, and really got a feel for the industry and community of the place. It is a major center for recycling in the city, and is a regular hive of small workshops - melting down plastic bottles, washing and cleaning metal oil containers, making poppadoms and clay pots, and just generally being busy. It DIDN'T have a air of despair to it, despite being filthy and packed, and I am glad I visited. Not only to experience what I did, but to dispel some of the negative stereotypes I held about slums. I only took the photo at start, as we were asked not to take photos, out of respect of those living there. It was difficult to agree, as the colours and life of the place was very photogenic, but having my camera in my bag did allow me to absorb m
ore, and feel less touristy.
For lunch we went to a Goan restaurant, and had some delicious but SPICY foods, from an area of India I won't be visiting. I hope after 5 months, I will be able to eat spicier foods, otherwise I will feel like a kid, asking for the mildest items on menues.
Right..so packing begin the real beginning to the adventure, and it will be hard to leave the creature comforts of the lovely house behind. And for you, my dear readers, it spells the start of less access to internet, although, as blogs aren't blocked here (as they are in, say, Kazakhstan), I should be able to post from my Kindle at least... minus the pictures though.
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