Monday, June 1, 2009

I m Mangaloring these days..


ಮಂಗಳೂರು (Mangalore)

Frequent power cuts, dominance of local dialect, heavy dependence on private transport…are a few factors that make you realize you are in a Tier Two city.
Here I m, at Mangalore, a place far different from the Metro City of Mumbai.
It’s been a week now, since Bisleri, Aquafina and Kinley have coolly found their place in my accessory kit.
Comfortably accommodated in a working women’s hostel (cum old age home) I m now a familiar stranger to the residents of Sri Ramakrishna Lodge.
Though language still remains an issue, communication is not a problem.

Day before yesterday I had been to dine with 2 of my collegues.Ideally it should have been a “Chat Session over Meal” but turned out to be a “Who shall have the Quickest Bite competition”. Mangalore seems to rely heavily on Private Road transport, the frequency of which is disappointing after 9.00pm. With the office vehicle off on some other duty we were dependent on private transport. So for us to target the pre-9.00 bus, “Quick Bite Session” was a pleasant excuse.

On the city touring front, St Aloysius, Sultan Battery and New Mangalore port are on the list. Not sure, how many I will be able to cover, with just 1 week and all week days in hand.

Despite residing slightly in the outskirts of the city, Lalbaug gives me access to 3 malls and 1 multiplex. That’s where the evening entertainment gets taken care of.
And as for the bed time stories, Sidney Sheldon novels play their part.

6 comments:

RG said...

Vyo, the writer, is getting better and better. I loved "I am now a familiar stranger...", the contrast between language and communication, and the water bottles "coolly" finding their place.

Archana said...

Hey there, came across your blog through Indiblogger. :) Just read your post, which reminded me of when I go back to visit family in India. Particularly the part on the Aquafina & Kinely, haha, without which I would be highly dehydrated in the heat of the Indian sun.

You have a nice conversational yet sound way of writing, makes for a good read. :)

Rashmi said...

Hey, nice read i am now becoming a follower of your blog and also added to my network hope to read more from ya,
Keep writing
Cheers!!

PULKIT said...

well written :)

radha said...

It has been years since I visited Mangalore.
Very nice blog. This and the other one too. Will be a regular.

Shilpa Garg said...

A very well written and an interesting account!!
Keep writing! :)