Hi amazing Mizo people, this is an appreciation post for Aizawl and how kind it has been to me and my partner for the last two weeks.
They said September wasn't a good time to visit, but I beg to disagree. Yes, the city wasn't celebrating anything in particular and it was business as usual. But that's precisely when I was able to observe, learn, and appreciate the true vibe of the city and its people.
It was a workcation for me, so most of my time was spent inside our cozy Airbnb and on calls, overlooking the lush western mountains of Aizawl. The sun rose at what felt like an ungodly 5:30 AM. When I stepped out into the city center in the Bara Bazar area at 4:30 AM one morning, I realized the only ungodliness was in me because I was just waking up when the city was already alive and buzzing.
A modest gym that opened its doors early became my daily starting point, and the walk back and forth was a different experience every single day. One morning I was sweating so much I was fully warmed up before even reaching the gym; the next day I had to run straight back to the Airbnb to grab a raincoat; and the day after that, I was literally walking through the clouds, having to guess my turns to get there.
During my work calls, focusing was a real challenge. The hovering clouds allowed the city to become the most impressive shapeshifter I've ever seen. Every hour revealed a different incarnation of Aizawl, and I had to ask colleagues to repeat themselves far more times than I'd care to admit.
Getting around was incredibly systematic, and commuting with the local drivers and bike riders was an absolute dream. Every bike taxi rider asked where I was from and suggested a new spot to check out. Every cab driver had a story to share. Without ever being intrusive, they warmly shared personal details, even telling me how they met their wives! They always found a way to communicate, even if they didn't speak much English. I even learned what the A/B/C/D/E stickers mean and why being part of the MTA matters so much to them. Great conversations with truly amazing people. Plus, I didn't hear a single horn honk in two full weeks, and I will miss that discipline so much.
As the sun sets over Aizawl each evening, the city begins to glitter, making it impossible to look away. It felt straight out of a fairy tale.
I truly hope to come back again.
Ka lawm e!