"Post five things that you loved to do in a city you have lived in (or all the cities you know considerably well)- not touristy stuff, but what you love to do!" My friend, a reluctant blogger, passed this on. Not a bad idea...
Bangalore - home away from home
1. Walk around the streets of Koramangala on a wet morning, afternoon, evening...stop over at Gangotri's for a pani puri. 2. Go down Kanakpura Road and further down a lost lane to reach Emil's ashram atop a hill. I enjoy it most when I'm on a rickety two wheeler with M. 3. Sit on a bench in Christ College with a book in hand. 4. A bus ride (yes...on hindsight, I enjoyed them!!!) 5. Dig into hot idlies by the roadside stalls in the lane parallel to commercial street (Ibrahim street, methinks).
Mangalore - where I discovered the power of seafood on my taste buds.
1. Spend entire weekends in Panambur, Suratkal and Malpe beaches. Dig into bhel puri while I watch the sun set. ~ Amen~ 2. Take a bus ride from Mangalore to Manipal (and hold on to dear life!!!) 3. Dig into hot, spicy seafood from the little shacks along the highway - trust me it doesn't get better anywhere else 4. Spend time watching the potter family near the Marigudi temple at work (and listen to Lingaiah's drunk brother abuse the #$%*& out of politicians)!! 5. Join the fisherfolk in their early morning ritual (maughty naughty!! ..i meant go fishing with them!)
Chennai - taught me all things arty
1. Take a bus to Pondy - but get off at Dakshinchitra and Mahabs. 2. Plonk myself in the children's section of the British Library 3. Listen to crazy local bands go crazier at Unwind centre 4. Take a bus from Ashok Nagar to Besant Nagar - and dig into hot mirch bhajjis at the beach 5. Shop at T-Nagar
Cochin - I have my roots there
1. As a tribute to all the summer evenings I spent at Subhash Park - I still go there, sit by the Arabian sea, and watch the ships in the distance 2. Tuck into anything at BTH (Bharat Tourist Home) - the masala dosas especially 3. Go to Broadway and hunt for little trinkets 4. Travel to Bolgatty Island on one of those rickety boats 5. Go to the Siva temple down the road from home at 4 am with grandmom
Hyderabad ? Will have to wait for this one!
