Not at all to criticise as I found the documentary fascinating to say the least and would love to see Dharavi.

But does anyone else think we are being voyeurists at all?

I just feel a bit guilty that we may be revelling in other peoples misery by doing some tourist visit.

Almost like going to watch the Elephants or the monkeys.

Please feel free to tell me if I am wrong.

Papa

Papa
I sort-of thought the same but there was a discussion about it on Tripadvisor - take a read of reply #9 from Deepa.
She puts forward some reasons why you should consider a visit to Dharavi.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g297604-i6045-k3335932-Disgusted-Goa.html

I actually said on the thread that I'd not choose to do the tour but maybe after reading Deepa's perspective, I might do it if we go to Mumbai again.

Polly

Hi Papa - I also felt uncomfortable about doing the slum tour so we didn't do it. Having said that, I believe it's done very sensitively and that money is raised to help the communities. I know people who have done it and have enjoyed it, and their concerns about being seen as nosey and intrusive were not realised.

I think you just have to go with what you feel - despite people's assurances that it's all done professionally and sensitively, I still feel uncomfortable about it.

Papa
I sort-of thought the same but there was a discussion about it on Tripadvisor - take a read of reply #9 from Deepa.
She puts forward some reasons why you should consider a visit to Dharavi.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic- ... d-Goa.html

I actually said on the thread that I'd not choose to do the tour but maybe after reading Deepa's perspective, I might do it if we go to Mumbai again.

Fascinating.

You think you have made up your mind about something and then you read a highly intelligent post like that and it makes you think again.

Papa

Got to agree, just read it and also found the topic and subsequent comments fascinating.

I don't think I would hesitate to visit the Dharavi slum at all. Also think a few of our so called "hard done by" youngsters in this country should pay a visit - they might learn something - ie. stop moaning, getting off your **** and do something, which is what the Dharavi slum dwellers have done - and done very successfully too. I watched the Kevin Mcloud series and was transfixed by it - a city within a city was how I saw it and was so blown away at the way that little slum city operates and the great community spirit that exists within it's boundaries - Fantastic and hugely educational. No I wouldn't hesitate at all -
Valleylady .....Let us know what you think after you have visited, I would be very interested to hear your views.
Fizz

Great new topic

I watched the Kevin Mcloud series and was transfixed by it

Me too.Amazing piece of television.

Papa

just read deepa,s report, after seeing the channel 4 programme we decided to book this tour,and deepa,s thoughts are just what i expect to find when we go and visit,we booked through reality tours,[it was recommened by a ht member],if anyone is interested,take a look at thier website,it clearly shows they are not operating for self riches as a lot of the money they charge for thier tours go back into the dharavi community.as a lot of members know we sponsored a child in goa and wasn,t happy about it after visiting the charity,{don,t want to start on about that again}but 1 of the reasons we want to do the dharavi tour and also the overnight villages tour ,is to visit the schools that they operate,our reason for sponsoring a child is that we wanted to help someone who really needed help.but found this not to be the case with the charity we choose,we are hoping that we can in someway help the school children in dharavi and villages etc,so when comments are made like some of the ones on the tripadvisor website about people going on these tours to ridicule and sneer at the dwellers,then maybe they should go and see for themselves,,,,some of us go to see if we can help in any way,no matter how small,,and no we are not do gooders we like our fair share of honeybee lol,we are just genuinely interested in the indian way of life. it really is nice to see an interesting topic on here,

loved your report Roma particularly the Mumbai trip...excellent and O/H and I have been in stitches over your scooter mishap you kept those grazed knees well hidden and many thanks for my birthday present!!!!! never had pink rubber gloves and toilet cleaner before Mike is just waiting for me to make use of them!!

chilly

Hi Chilly - You don't think for one minute I'd show you lot my scabby knees, do you?

I'll leave you and Mike to enjoy the rubber gloves....and Egypt! Have a great holiday!

Good read that Roma, well done.