One thing that yoga has taught me is that a plan is simply a blueprint that can be changed with nothing finalized until it’s already been done. We went to the Taj Palace, Gateway and a slums tour. Doug and I have done the tour before with his goddaughter and her mother almost two and half years ago. It was just as amazing the second time as it was the first. The most amazing part was my friends’ faces after being thrusted into a completely unfamiliar environment.

Walking through the streets, I couldn’t help but notice the bravery my friends exerted as their feet were squishing in the muddy trash mixture. Their feet were splatter painted with a greyish mud and clay mixture. We learned about recycling and how the Dharavi Slums works as an economy. My friend, Lyndon, seemed changed by this experience

We often get stuck in the details of life that when taken out of our elements seem so trivial. We worry about so much that is material that we can’t even imagine living a day in the places that never see the sun. We couldn’t imagine working in an environment where we are truly expendable. All of us are self-starters and own some sort of business in one way or the other.

The streets were smelling really good towards the end of the tour and our guide was amazing. His name was Umar and he grew up in the slums and still lives there. He is attending school and doing these tours as a part-time job while in his studies. Such a humble soul that accepted my friends and their question wholeheartedly.

Just when you think that world around you has changed, you are lead to a leather shop that can make you a replica leather jacket, bag or wallet for a small price. They can have this work done in 24 hours and the fit is perfect. We spent some money there and are going to receive our jackets tomorrow. Pieter and Doug will get their bags in a few days. I’m excited to see how they will bring this experience into their everyday lives.