Guide to being a Mumbai Local
When you hear the words 'Mumbai Local' your mind instantly travels to the train. Overcrowded with tired people, reeking of sweat and problems, trying to get a seat in hopes of relaxing before reaching home. But for me, the Mumbai local means something different. It is that feeling of being a Mumbaikar, being a local. From the ways of life to the people and especially to the food.
I was horrified to learn when an out-of-town friend confessed that she didn't like vada pav. WHO DOESN'T LIKE VADA PAV? I never knew that was humanly possible. Yes, this post was heavily inspired by her revelation, but it got me thinking. What defines being a Mumbaikar? A local cultural expert? I decided to create the perfect guide to being a Mumbai Local. Everyone lands up here in some other way, by choice or by birth. I’ll show you how to navigate the city like a local. (My experience of 20+ years in this city has allowed me to bestow this expertise title upon myself.)
Number 1 | Polygot: All of us use a mixture of language in our daily use of words and slang, regardless of our mother tongue. These could be in the form of random, colloquial or even swear words. Of course, they're so ingrained into your vocabulary that you don't even register a difference in language. Neither do the rest because they do it too. Knowing the meaning of the word is essential though, never say words you don't know the meaning of, it could get you into trouble.
Number 2 | Navigation: Never use Google Maps because there is always some construction, or road blockage and you will get stuck. Mumbai roads are very complex. There will always be a faster or better road it's not showing. Whether you are walking or driving; always use your intuition. Or ask someone. People here love giving directions, and most of the time, you'll reach the right place. Sometimes they might even drop you there or lead the way.
Number 3 | Food: Every Mumbaikar knows where to eat the right food. Food in Mumbai is an amalgamation of a million cultures. Mumbai food in a nutshell is fusion food at best. There are some staple foods that everyone eats here, Vada Pav, Misal, Pav Bhaji, Frankie, Bun Maska, and Bheja Fry; the list is never-ending. For we eat anything and everything that tastes good. Mumbai food is innovative, with a dash of culture. On the streets of Mumbai, you will find everything from Anda Bhurji to Dosas, Dhoklas to Goti Sodas, the options here are limitless. There is everything to everyone's taste.
Number 4 | Public Transport: Mumbai is no Delhi when it comes to public transport but we have quite a few that we rely on like oxygen. The buses, the metros, the trains, the autos and the cabs. The list is exhaustive and travelling in them gets you exhausted too! A true Mumbaikar knows which transport to take from where without being overcharged. One will also know which train to take and expertly jump into a moving one. Its presence doesn't reduce the inane traffic in the slightest but it does stop people from walking the streets. The greater the number of people on the streets, the greater the number of police present. When these modes of transport go on strike, people's livelihoods are greatly affected. A lot of times, colleges, offices and schools get shut down, due to auto strikes. Mumbai is not a walkable city, we have footpaths, but they're littered with homeless people and the terrible infrastructural handiwork of corrupt contractors. There's also way too much trash and unfinished construction everywhere. Not very dreamlike.
Number 5 | Hangout spots: From chilling on Marine Drive to walking on Juhu Beach and even staring at the surf at Chowpatty; every Mumbai local finds nirvana in the water. The crashing of the waves somehow obliterates the bustle. All you have to do is close your eyes, and all seems fine. Regardless of its over-representation in movies, the Mumbai waters are very calming, even for the hydrophobics. The pain, the stress, the life, it all melts away when the sea waves at you. Enjoying the Marine Drive scenery with spiced dry mango or the Juhu Beach with buttery Pav Bhaji or ice cream at Chowpatty makes all the difference.
The City of Dreams is a lot more than just the city that never sleeps. It's a bed, a home, an escape, a life for many. I believe the legend. The one that speaks about how that God started creating the world in Mumbai. If not, how can you explain this beautiful city? Some people hate Mumbai, but there's just something about it that doesn't allow me to leave. It's been 20 years and I still can't figure it out.