Having moved from the US in September last year, I had quite the roller coaster experience in Santa Cruz(E), Mumbai. However I can see both sides of the story clearly now, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the same.
The hard facts are that Vakola is polluted and can be cleaner. Rent is high. Your money doesn’t go very far. However, I always look at the flowering trees in Vakola for inspiration! Wherever you are, your experiences are defined by the activities you involve yourself in and the people you meet.
So I wanted to share some of the things that make me happy here. Mangoes. When summer is in full swing, Vakola market is full of these precious babies! If you get a chance, don’t miss the Ratnagiri alphonsos, the Badami and the Lalbaghs. All great fruit.
Air India ground - quite a stunning field with a Tennis and a badminton court hidden away. You can view high quality cricket, get a snack and watch planes go by. So much fun!
Sanjay Gandhi national park, although far, is Mumbai’s treasure. I love going there for walks and visiting Kanheri. Somehow these Buddhists caves are under-rated but worth the walk from the entrance. I do wish there were more spots like these in Mumbai.
I would be amiss to mention the high thinking and culture that Mumbai surrounds you in. Woman safety is high, there are intellectual people all around you (in small apartments), and you can step into BKC to meet the Harvard MBAs whenever you want. All in all a good deal!