It was the June of 2004 when I first set foot into the drizzling city of Bengaluru. It was called Bangalore back then. My first interaction with the city was with the J P Nagar area - that’s where my college was. And I had found a rented dwelling close by.
The MBA schedule , the reason I came to the city, kept me on my toes leaving little time for me to explore the place. The only chance to go out and explore was on Sunday evenings. But even that was restricted barely till the Forum Mall. Not to mention that the Forum mall also qualifies for being my first mall experience in a big city.
And then I graduated and got placed in the city itself and have been here since then. With time, my familiarity with the city increased (courtesy my various job locations and the corresponding change in my abode) . Consequently I am reasonably familiar with places like Koramangala, Marathahalli, Jayanagar, MG Road, Vittal Mallaya Road, Indira Nagar, Old Airport Road etc.
Having spent close to six and a half years in the city, I have to admit that I have grown fond of the place. However, this realization comes at a time when I am all set to move out. It is going to be quite a change.
Well, I am not really a person averse to change. On the contrary, I quite like change, guess that explains why I have tried so many different jobs. However leaving Bangalore feels like leaving home. I have had some great times here. Not that I haven’t had a dull day, but that’s what makes up for an exciting journey.
I am no judge of the city. But based on my stay here , I thought of sharing a few details that might come in handy for people who are looking at Bangalore as an option to settle down. Here you go:
Bangalore Rocks because of : Rock bands, Theatre, A fantastic weather, A comfortable pace of life, Lots of good places to eat at, Nice places to shop from, A strong network of radio listeners, Durga Pujo Pandals and awesome food at the pujo stalls!!
Bangalore Sucks because of : Arrogant auto drivers, Traffic jams, The long distances that one has to commute, No other weekend getaway other than malls, Unpredictable rains and broken branches around the city, Deviation of traffic due to metro contruction.
Must haves to beat the weather: A good Jacket meant to handle monsoons, An umbrella, Water proof make up for ladies, Western formal wear for ladies if you are working because most of the IT firms here have their AC full blown!
Well I can actually go on and on and write pages like my other blogs but thought of keeping it short this time for a change - didn't I tell you that I sorta like change :)
