Shikha Patel's Blog - Posts Tagged "travel"
Bang-a-luru..!!
As I believe “Cities can’t win, we win over them". Bangalore, I am not sure since when Bangalore has become my city. Coming from a small city traditional family I never thought I will adapt to a metro city lifestyle so easily. My journey in this city started when I was dating the man of my life. It was neither a well thought decision nor I thought of staying here this long. But here I am. 5 years and still counting. Loving this city is not a decision or a conscious effort. It just happened and it happens every time all over again. The city grew within me and I grew with it.
Most of my professional life has progressed here. So definitely I have seen the real side of the city more than the romantic part. I have my complains as anyone else would have, but it is ironical that I have fallen for those moments itself - the traffic, the lights, the markets, liveliness of streets, the never-ending flyovers, the language, the fashion and of course the pleasant weather. The traffic I hated, is now a part of my life. In fact it spoils my mood if the roads are clear someday! The people I didn’t understand initially, makes more sense to me today. I hated the food….well that hasn’t changed much but I have figured out good places to eat. The best part of this city is, something is always happening here. It is always active and vibrant. Recently, I have read articles where they discuss about Bangalore being saturated. But honestly, I don’t feel so. This city has a capacity to suffice one and all, it is just a matter to realize it.
Every city has its own challenges but it is sublime to blend in and feel the city. Feel the change in you. Bangalore is my city. And I belong to the city. It has evolved me since the time I am here and I am ready to explore it more! I hear people complaining (most of them outsiders) and yes! I feel offended. Dear non-Bangalorians, please don’t complain about the crowd, traffic, culture and pollution because you are very much a part of it. :)
Most of my professional life has progressed here. So definitely I have seen the real side of the city more than the romantic part. I have my complains as anyone else would have, but it is ironical that I have fallen for those moments itself - the traffic, the lights, the markets, liveliness of streets, the never-ending flyovers, the language, the fashion and of course the pleasant weather. The traffic I hated, is now a part of my life. In fact it spoils my mood if the roads are clear someday! The people I didn’t understand initially, makes more sense to me today. I hated the food….well that hasn’t changed much but I have figured out good places to eat. The best part of this city is, something is always happening here. It is always active and vibrant. Recently, I have read articles where they discuss about Bangalore being saturated. But honestly, I don’t feel so. This city has a capacity to suffice one and all, it is just a matter to realize it.
Every city has its own challenges but it is sublime to blend in and feel the city. Feel the change in you. Bangalore is my city. And I belong to the city. It has evolved me since the time I am here and I am ready to explore it more! I hear people complaining (most of them outsiders) and yes! I feel offended. Dear non-Bangalorians, please don’t complain about the crowd, traffic, culture and pollution because you are very much a part of it. :)
HAMPI....Running To Stand Still!
This essay documents my recent visit to the rocky land of ruins, whose history goes back to the Stone and Iron Ages. It was mid March -the onset of summer in India. This is when, us, Indians realize the importance of water, coconut water, sugarcane juice and lime soda.
I reached Virupaksha Temple (in Hampi) early in the morning to start exploring the place for next 3 days. There is always something exceptional about these historic places. Walking through the streets with the scorching sun smiling at me throughout the day, I felt a strong urge to unfurl the history, beautifully carved in the hefty stone walls. As you try and read the stories on the walls, you feel the history crawling through you. I wonder how the Kings and their Queens would have ruled the place and what message would they want to leave for the future while carving those stories.
There is warmth in the crude landscape.
There is lightness in watching the heavy Mantapas.
There is beauty in imagining how this place would have been when functional.
As I walk on the barren land, I wonder how many more civilizations have been buried beneath. The stone slabs standing since centuries look so fresh as if arranged just yesterday. It is overwhelming to watch the vast serene environment with farm lands interspersed with royal palaces, exemplary temples, long bazaars, huge rocks and those beautiful Ankanas as I sit on the hill waiting for the sun to set. Soaking this beauty in, I toast to the glorious empire of Vijayanagar whose aura could still be felt.
I reached Virupaksha Temple (in Hampi) early in the morning to start exploring the place for next 3 days. There is always something exceptional about these historic places. Walking through the streets with the scorching sun smiling at me throughout the day, I felt a strong urge to unfurl the history, beautifully carved in the hefty stone walls. As you try and read the stories on the walls, you feel the history crawling through you. I wonder how the Kings and their Queens would have ruled the place and what message would they want to leave for the future while carving those stories.
There is warmth in the crude landscape.
There is lightness in watching the heavy Mantapas.
There is beauty in imagining how this place would have been when functional.
As I walk on the barren land, I wonder how many more civilizations have been buried beneath. The stone slabs standing since centuries look so fresh as if arranged just yesterday. It is overwhelming to watch the vast serene environment with farm lands interspersed with royal palaces, exemplary temples, long bazaars, huge rocks and those beautiful Ankanas as I sit on the hill waiting for the sun to set. Soaking this beauty in, I toast to the glorious empire of Vijayanagar whose aura could still be felt.
