Day Two Mumbai

This video is of us travelling to our afternoon visit to Lijjat Papa, passing the Dharavi slums.

The sounds of the city started early - about 5.00 a.m. Noel had already walked the streets looking for some tea and probably drinking in the atmosphere of home.  For most of us waking from a very welcome sleep, working out how to work the shower and turning up for breakfast at 8am was enough of a challenge for the start of the day.

The morning was filled with a session about women as entrepreneurs by Dr. Mala Shravasta from the Naseerji Muryi Management Institute.  Much discussion was had and we were all struck by the similar barriers faced by women in both India and Scotland.

Our afternoon took us to the administration offices of Lijjat Papas - an organisation founded in 1959 by seven women to produce papadoms.  The seven women has now grown to over 42,000 all over India.  This was a striking example of self-help and empowerment.  The uniqueness of the organisation is that all 42,000 of the women involved in producing the papadoms has a share in the business.

We are all, as expected, responding differently to the varied experiences before us .... with a number of inspiring conversations springing up over tea and coffee at many points throughout the itinerary..

As usual there are many lighthearted moments to be shared...Catherine falling off dining chairs,us all attempting to gain as many waves as possible out the bus window and the constant challenge of keeping track of the group as Tricia attempts to 'hide' from various members !! One thing we are not short of within the group is a keen sense of fun and support for each other..!