- Takes pictures of everyday scenes and objects: traffic, cows and goats, coconut trees, rickshaws, streets. Picture 21st century Dorothy exiting Kansas for Munchkinland, iPhone in hand.
- Adrenaline-induced lack of jetlag because WHY sleep when there’s SO much to see?!
- Forgets all warning and eats anything and everything, irrespective of one’s ability to identify or pronounce it, with an abandon typically reserved for children left unattended with bags of Halloween candy after trick-or-treating.
- Everything eaten during Phase 1 exits body quickly and violently. Enter: weeklong diet of apples scrubbed hyper-clean with Aquafina mineral water, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt, eaten with a level of caution comparable that of a helicopter parent bubble-wrapping his child before her first day of middle school.
- Goes outside during monsoon without an umbrella. Receives free shower.
- Exits first day of work by promptly embracing the asphalt like a long-lost lover, walking away complete with ripped pants and a bloody knee. Looks back to see if coworkers noticed for fear of appearing unprofessional. (Coworkers did not see, but yes, those children are laughing at you.)
- Wears new kurta to work inside out. Coworkers giggle and communicate through the language barrier, that yes, in fact, you are an idiot.

Lessons learned the hard way... the dry spot in the middle of my shirt is where I had my arm pressed to keep my phone and wallet dry... I was soaked!!
- Diet re-expands to adventure… with a side of apples, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt. (Old habits die hard… I am who I am!)
- Purchases umbrella and trusts NO ONE when it comes to the rain. The fact that it looks sunny right now means nothing.
- Realizes that, after the work-day is over, this experience is kind of a 2-month long date with self. Treats self to dinner and a sold-out, opening night Bollywood movie, yoga, runs around Joggers Park, and a long walk along Marine Drive.

Bollywood doesn't joke around with their movie theatres... complete with a restaurant, cafe, and a lounge with velvet chairs.

My incredible view for Sunday morning yoga and meditation in Bandra

Enjoying BEAUTIFUL Chowpatty Beach and Marine Drive
Caroline, it sounds like you’re doing such a wonderful job of really getting to know the city. I love reading of your adventures! You are truly taking advantage of all that Mumbai has to offer. It can definitely be difficult to adjust to a new culture, job and diet all at the same time, but it sounds like you’re doing a fabulous job! I can’t wait to hear more 🙂