Facebook thoughts

Status update: Looking forward to meeting @Joseph and @Tara today!

Check In: Tea centre, Mumbai at 16:42 on 1st December

My profile picture shows you exactly what I look like.

An invasion of privacy if you approach me at tea centre with all of my information at the tip of your fingers? Hardly! I offered the information.

Why do we do it? Why do we spend hours on Facebook and care how many 'likes' our status has or how many compliments my profile picture attracts.

In my little Facebook bubble, I rule. If my life is not interesting I'll post some pictures and some "cool" status updates to make you believe it is. My self image and invariably my self esteem is directly proportionate to the activity on my Facebook profile. The good news: my measurement standards have company evident on my newsfeed.

You wouldn't bear your soul to a stranger on the road or even consider giving them an insight into a day in your life. The web has redefined the term 'stranger'. As much as you know I could be someone with psychological issues or someone who owns nothing more than a begging bowl and a computer on which I'm writing this (it's possible!).

Is it scary that someone at the other end of the world knows your thoughts or comforting that someone cares enough to spend the time and read it?

Once upon a time in Mumbai

Career driven girl in her early twenties, moves to Mumbai to step outside of her comfort zone and embrace ambition. It's a common story really and apparently a part of the 'growing up' process. From weather heaven to crowded sweaty humidity is definitely not an ideal change but they call Mumbai 'the city of dreams' for reasons I'm yet to figure out.

In an interview I was asked if I would stay in Mumbai after graduating from the course I was pursuing and the reply at the time was an enthusiastic and definitive YES. Convincing the interviewer was a cake walk, the challenge was convincing myself especially after the tourist mentality wore off and the Mumbai local mentality presents itself.

Mumbai took off my rose tinted glasses as soon as I began looking for a roof to put over my head. South Mumbai presented itself with ridiculous rent, shady nooks and corners, dirty bathrooms and arrogant landlords. Compromise on expectation and desperation to find shelter from the pouring rain (everyday, all the time) found me a bed, bookshelf and the reliable steel Godrej cupboard. Home sickness kicked in with the realization that your room back home is bigger than your flat in this city.

Unpacking and settling in was as hard as hailing a taxi to start exploring my surroundings. I had watched alot of movies shot in Mumbai and hence my starting point was everybody's favourite place, Marine drive. A hard day over, alot accomplished and in conclusion I found reason to look ahead with positivity which came as i looked out at the beautiful Queens necklace. Anticipation of this city of contrast that brings frustration and peace all in one day, kicked in.

Dear Mumbai, what's next?