Monthly Archives: May 2011
Two cities that never sleep
How many times have you heard people compare Bombay to New York City? It’s true. If you care to look, there are many similarities.
Here are just a few of the defining geographic, cultural and social qualities of both great cities –
- the financial hub of their respective nations
- coastal (partly island) cities
- the frenetic pace and bustling energy
- a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages
- a place that attracts immigrants (who come to follow their dreams)
- everyone is just a number here – not a small town by any definition!
- the stark diversity (rich/poor being just one of many)
- art and theater/cinema (different scope of course, what with Broadway – but we’ll throw in Bollywood on the other side)
- a happening night life and city
- crazy traffic and the taxi cab culture
- millions who make each their home
New York City
Mumbai, India
A few years ago, as I was looking into the far away future, I told myself that having lived in small town USA for most of my life, I would like to retire in Manhattan just so I could feel and live that very different kind of energy. Most people who heard this (pipe-) dream thought I was crazy. Now, look what I find myself in…one foot still in small town USA, and the other squarely planted (for the time-being) in the other city that never sleeps. Serendipity, anyone?
The Amazing Service Industry of Mumbai
It is mind-boggling how many people can end up in service of one individual here in Mumbai (and I am sure in other cities). Sure, when I was growing up, we had a lot of help. But, in those days, especially in smaller towns, household help, for example, was normally generational and live-in. In other words, the person who cooked for us was probably a family member of whoever cooked for my grandparents.
Today, it is amazing how one individual living in Mumbai can outsource virtually everything in his or her life! People here quickly become accustomed to outsourcing all their chores and activities. These include many that we would in all likelihood be performing ourselves in the West or those which are not readily accessible, convenient or affordable over there.
Here is a sampling of the outsourcing realities in Mumbai, including representative costs (plus or minus 25%, depending on which area in Mumbai you live in):
- House Cleaning 7 days a week; dusting, sweeping and mopping all floors, cleaning bathrooms, dishwashing, laundry – $45 per month
- Cooking 7 days a week (freshly made lunch & dinner) – $60 per month
- Groceries (including vegies and all food or household needs) shopped and delivered for you, as needed – no extra cost
- Food from virtually any restaurant – delivered to your home at no extra cost
- All car driving needs (full-time driver, available 7 days a week) – $225 per month
- Personal Training at neighborhood gym – One hour, 6 days a week for $45 per month
- Yoga Training at home with qualified instructor – One hour, 3 days a week for $70 per month
- Massage in spa or at home – One hour, $10 – $100 depending on spa/massage therapist
- Manicure and Pedicure at home – $10
- Laundry picked up and delivered at home – e.g. ironing bed linen for one bed is $1; washing & ironing is $3.
As you can imagine, it has not taken me very long at all to “adjust” and outsource parts of my life. Given the short time that I have been here, I wonder how many other interesting outsourcing opportunities lie waiting to be discovered…
The Yin and Yang of Life Anywhere 