A Weekend In Bangalore



I was in Bangalore last weekend and yet again I went into the nostalgic mode. I do not know why I write a lot about my past. Now, I look back at how my own summer vacations in Bangalore Chinana’s home transpired in my childhood years. Yes, bouts of nostalgia are hitting me frequently even though I am only in my late twenties. It looks like the age is catching up :).

Yep, summer vacations for me, meant packing my bags and going with my Grandma to my Chinana’s home in Bangalore. We spent almost the entire vacation in Bangalore with my Chinana. Luscious mangoes, musk melons, water melons and puffed rice (borugulu) awaited us every day. The hot pongals, red color Bangalore sambar that is both spicy and sweet at the same time, visit to Indhra Nagar Krishna temple, Tippasandra Hanuman temple and Ulsoor Siva temple are still green in my memory. And so many other treats not to forget all the pickles that grandma churned out.

For me Bengalore is going on long scooter rides with Chinana; standing in a long queue in Malleshwaram with a cotton candy in hand - for eating Masala Dosa; Going to Lal Bagh, Cubbon Park to sit and travel in that awesome train eating corn. Now, it's just Mantri or Orion or Forum or Garuda :(  Wow! I waited for weekends to come so that I could go out! Those red buses, which we called BTS and not BMTC. Half ticket FTW! :D There would be only traffic police at all junctions and I don't remember digital traffic signals at all. Travelling time was very less. The roads were wide and I could hear a lot of Kannada. Now?? haha, no need to say more.   

What I see now is not my Bangalore. Bangalore is no more a garden city. It seems to be like a concrete jungle. I miss the old Bangalore for the simple fact that those days we did breathe real fresh air and Bangalore had actual sparrows and other birds chirping. Miss those days of 1 rupee lolly and NP chewing gum that we used to get for 50P. Gone are those days when cycles ruled the roads and we had loads of space to play and now it’s all virtual gaming. I miss Bangalore for not seeing those double decker buses between Jayanagar 4th block to Shivaji nagar bus stand in which I would travel with Pinni when I was in Bangalore for summer.  I miss the old Bangalore which was peaceful, serene and quiet.

Now, the roads are narrow and it is not cool as it used to be. I felt that Bangalore does not match with fast moving growth and economy of Chennai. Infrastructure and development in Chennai is running faster than Bangalore. Yes. Chennai definitely has better roads in the city, faster rate of rebuilding/fixing roads, lesser traffic, and faster Metro construction. Though there are lots of immigrants in Chennai, the Chennai is still maintaining their valuable culture, whereas Bangalore lost it somewhere. I know New York has a terrible weather (extreme heat, extreme cold and rest in heavy rains), has taxis that are very expensive/would rip you off, people appear quite conservative (heard that in some restaurants, you won't be allowed without a suit and tie). But, it is among the best cities in the world. Same with London. And same with Chennai. Neither its weather, nor is conservatism can take away the charm from the city. You either like it or hate it, but will find it hard to stay rational midway :). But for me, Bangalore is not that way. I could still stay rational midway. Bangalore accepts you and it does not matter if you accept it or not! 

Nevertheless, even this concrete jungle fascinates me in a way. As it is said that Madras is the Mecca of Carnatic Music, my friend always says that if poetry is your cup of tea, then being in Bangalore might be a reason to cheer. I am yet to explore that side of Bangalore.  I will come back for sure. I will come back for sure to get a book in #BlossomBookStore, for wood fire baked pizzas in #ChezMariannick, for the cupcakes, the pies in #SpoonFullofSugar, for the fruity desserts in #BerryD’Alive, for the garden area outside the #NationalGalleryofModernArt, for the best cold coffee at #KalmaneCoffee, for my best friend #Badri :)

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