The first few days of a new year, a new decade. A good place to reflect on time. Time moves fast in India. Buildings sprout where jungles and desert once were. A year, or two passing by is the equivalent of ten or more in Europe. But yet, somehow, sometimes, coming here can help you to slow down. To appreciate that some things really are timeless. The tropical birdsong, as the sun rises. The cascades of barbie-pink bougainvillaea, the birds of prey that soar between the high-rises. The white-blue skies of midday, the waving palm-trees in an evening breeze.
Outside, the roads are as busy as ever. Organized chaos, I like to call it. But you will find stretches where trees have formed a bridge overhead, growing like that for decades. They cast shade and long shadows, where vendors can set up their wares of ceramics, and sugarcane juice. For dogs to lounge under, for cows to wander. Old buildings, covered in vines, wide pavements that are tree-lined. We stand in the shade of banyan trees, watching polo ponies practice at the golf course, then walk through the dry grass, dodging imaginary snakes. We bargain for golden jewellery in one store, and then for hairbands, in another.
White marble, rattan swing. Cactus and succulents. Parakeets in a palm tree, tom-cat crossing the wall. Scents of sandalwood and incense, tangled in the afternoon air. Sunset, the silhouettes of storks flying home from the lake, giant bats.
Time, to think. Time, to listen. Time, just to enjoy being here, being part of what India is. Timeless.
Places of interest:
MG road (‘old’ Bangalore), full of shops and cafes, the two below are well worth a visit:
Cauvery to buy all manner of sandalwood and teak sculptures, traditional paintings etc. and they can ship what you buy home, too. Navrathan Jewellers, to be dazzled by gold, diamonds and jewels straight out of a Bollywood film.
Random hole-in-the-wall shops, near Whitefield, for an assortment of beauty products, toys and gifts for a fraction of what you would pay at home.
Army golf course– you have to be a member. But certainly an interesting place to visit and enjoy some greenery.
Ola and Uber are very popular in India and the easiest way to get around. Download the app to use.
It had been quite some time since I last visited, so coming back was extra enjoyable. I hope that 2020 brings everyone lots of laughter and happiness, whatever your plans are. xx
What a nice way to begin the new year and new decade. In some ways, the sounds and smells of India stay the same….luckily.
Great photos as well.
Very true about India! It was a lovely trip x
Interesting post again, the contrasts are striking! nice to see the complex well maintained with lots of green.
thanks dad! yes its looking good!
Lovely post 🙂
thank you whale x and for the photos