Goodbye India…

Marine Drive, Bombay

After living in Bombay for 31 years, I am now moving to Dubai. I know Dubai is really close to India, and so it probably shouldn’t feel like much of a move, but I will still be hundreds of miles away from home. I had never given much thought to moving base until I began travelling. It changed my perspective. I yearned to live in a new place; tackle challenges I never had to in the comfort of my home, meet new people every day, possibly learn a new language, and undergo some sort of a life-changing transformation. But as I stood at the airport with my three suitcases ready to close a long-running chapter of life, it hit me: 31 years compressed into three measly pieces of luggage. Is that all it takes to sum up your life? It was all suddenly overwhelming.

“It’s going to be great! You will have so much fun.” That’s what everyone says to you when they hear you’re moving to a new country. I agree. I’m sure I’ll have numerous stories to tell. And I look forward to sharing them with you all. But I also expect to face new challenges that unfamiliarity brings. And while I am a tad nervous, I’m also excited about battling them. It’s akin to travelling in many ways. You arrive at a new place not knowing what to expect, and you start learning something new each day; from finding a place to stay to locating the nearest convenience store. And then as you begin to figure things out, you feel a sense of accomplishment that makes it all worthwhile.

However, leaving family and friends behind is really tough. I will miss many birthdays, family dinners and other important occasions. But I’ll gain new experiences, make new friends, learn to live by myself. I am truly lucky though. Some of my closest friends live in Dubai, so it won’t be too alienating. And it is as the saying goes: in order to gain something, you have to let something go.

So, as I embark on the beginning of a new chapter, I hope you will wish me luck! I will be sharing my experiences as often as I can, so watch this space:)

P.S. There is so much I want to say, but at this moment I just find myself at a loss of words. I’m sure those of you who have moved away from home will understand. Do share your stories with me in the Comments box below.