Sydney vs Mumbai... Space on the waterfront

Space, literally and figuratively speaking, is a much battered word in today's times. It increasingly characterises cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai and Sydney.

Mumbai, where I come from, was impossibly open spaced. It didn’t have boundaries, it was open, binding and enmeshed. A synergy ran deep within the rapid pace and growth of the city. Culturally, it was solid and retained its original flavour despite the suburbia invasion, embracing people from all walks and (Indian) states alike. Curious and welcoming in the same breath. Cosmopolitan, entertaining to the last designer boot, life ticked constantly and one could tune in any second, minute or hour of the day, no questions asked.

Sydney, on the other hand, is somewhat close spaced. There is an unspoken boundary, a certain line that cannot be crossed, bordering on aloofness despite the mixed population. Beneath brash and liberal tolerance, lies an isolated heart I suspect due to mass migration. The pot pourri of various cultures filtered into Sydney, recreating different countries to get a sense of belonging. The solid heritage architecture and magical waterfront maintained ground while millions sought homes of their own, away from their own homes.

After Mumbai's distinctive spirit in diversity, Sydney's myriad contrasts were rather startling; detached yet connected, friendly yet aloof, sordid yet pleasant, soothing yet harsh, ugly yet stunning, vast yet restricted.

One look at the incredibly blue skies though... and all negatives erase. The seductive blend of water and land is intoxicating. The waterfront, the harbour, the beaches, the trees, parks... nature sucks you right in.

There is no escaping the landscaped splendour of Sydney. Therein, lies its spirit.

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