B like Mumbai

The words dirty and poor are not strong enough to describe the Mumbai phenomenon.

I am in town for just one (very full indeed) day, and I have seen everything you see in a 3 hours documentary and even more. Cows (yes, yes, yes what you've heard is true; cows are walking freely throughout the city), goats, INSANE driving, homemade food delivery, endless street-markets and continuous slams (paragkes) along the streets.
I have stayed in a pretty decent hotel for the first night and seen some of the most disgusting hostels, while looking for temporary accomodation. I am actually writing this post on a bed like the ones you see in those super cheesy American horror films. Or even better than Hollywood, UK cinema managed to capture this feeling of mine in the unforgettable toilet scene in Trainspotting.
The Indian driving style and the Mumbai traffic is something you get used to really fast, while it drops dramatically on your list of annoying things.  This is because there are so many other stuff happening around you. The fact that this city is functional is simply a miracle! People are living literally anywhere: on the streets, the sidewalks, even on iron beams under the bridges!

Mumbai is a tough city, no question about that. I honestly don’t think I will ever visit any place more extreme than this. Maybe because I will be too old to do so. I actually feel too old now. Surprisingly, and against all odds, I was told that Mumbai is the safest city in India. And of course, this happens because of its never-sleeping and never-ending crowd.
So, what am I doing here?
For those that don't know the whole story, I am in Mumbai as an intern. MIT MISTI program gives MIT students the opportunity to travel and work in numerous countries including India, Brazil, France, Chile, Israel, Japan and so on. The office I will work for is Serie Architects Mumbai. 

Serie Architects is an oasis in the middle of overcrowded Mumbai. Here's why:

·      A/C

·      A/C

·      A/C (I don’t know if you have notice but lately I just warship artificial interior space cooling). The combination of high temperatures and asphyxiating humidity really brings you to your knees. Every time I get out of the office I feel like entering the 71/2 floor of the film "In the Mind of John Malkovich".

·      Great architecture. I am really glad I was admitted to Serie, as I had already been  impressed by the work Chris Lee (head of the firm) presented in MIT during Fall semester.  Their current projects can only validate my appreciation to their work and quality of architecture.

·      Amazing, humorous people. My colleagues are super helpful and they responded with great spontaneity to the craziness I brought with me (mainly the accommodation issue)

·      Delicious food. Serie people are having lunch all together on the conference table, sharing their delicious food. I had my first official Indian lunch with homemade indian specialties (spicy spinach rocks) and Indian Pizza!