So I’m back

After a brief period of travelling around Mumbai and Pune, I am back in Bangalore. And let me tell you, visiting these two places after four months told me how much I missed them and how much they have changed. It’s unbelievable. But then again, it’s bound to happen!

During my travels, there was one thing that continuously rankled me. This was something that in fact began last week when I travelled to Delhi. How much of a disregard the average and above average Indian has for rules is mind-boggling. Simple things, really. When the air-hostess says “Please straighten your seat back”, do it man/woman. It’s for your good and of course the airline doesn’t want to pay if you break your neck during takeoff.

And why is it so necessary to switch on cell phones before the plane has come to a complete standstill? How difficult is life going to be if you waited another 3 or 4 minutes? But no. Everyone’s phones start beeping and ringing as soon as the plane starts taxi-ing. Whether it’s dangerous or not is debatable, but if you have been asked not to, don’t.

There are striking similarities between Bangalore and Pune especially in the traffic. And these were more painfully apparent than I cared to know this time. No idea why. Both cities (by that I refer to the people) show a disregard bordering on contempt for traffic signals, and any traffic rules in general. I won’t get into specifics or I’ll write for the rest of the day, but anyone who has lived in both cities will know what I say. Mumbai is marginally better but not too much.

And what’s with the incomplete look Pune has been displaying for a while now? When will the footpaths be ready? When will the roads be complete? When will electricity not fluctuate? The last one really cost us and we lost a TV, fridge and two ACs in a vague fluctuation on Saturday night. Despite all MCBs being in place (and no, that is not the combined swear-term!).

All the same, I really enjoyed both cities and yes, a lot of work and a family function attendance (why am I not surprised?) was achieved as was a trip to Kayani Bakery on East St. in Pune. Ah those wine biscuits. Time to bite into a few. Maybe I’ll have the plain cake before that… or the Shrewsbury? Oh the choice!