I visited India last year around this time.
2 weeks ago I have given a public talk at the Diwali celebration in the city I am living in. I went through the journals I wrote on my last year’s trip through south India. So I thought would be nice to tidy up the notes and store them here as well…
Whoever is reading, hope you enjoy it.
I arrived Bangalore in early November on the early morning flight, stayed at Uday and Ramya’s home . When I woke up in the morning I was impressed with the modern buildings around me and also surprised by the cool temperature . The apartment block is in the old cotton mil district. It is right opposite a very colourful Tamil temple.
In the first few days I get stomach problem a bit. But local friends say they have it once a week or so, it’s expected. At least no need to concern about constipation .
I listed a few things I took notice of on my very first few days in Bangalore:
1 . Here are so many similarities with China. Lots of construction work in the city, they are developing a new subway system which will hopefully improve the traffic congestion.
Driving here is like in China , with double the chaotic. Traffic rules can be adjusted based on individual needs.
Family is important. The get together and chat have dinner. Remind me of my own family. Also the way people interact are similar, not so much drinking etc, more going out for dinner or stay home play games etc.
2 religion is in every aspect of the society. I saw Virgin Marry and baby Jesus in Sari, people pray next to their bicycle on the side of the road. There are mosques, churches and temples. Temples are the most colorful, Churches all big and seems built with steady concrete. Last night I went out for a drive with friends, I saw the central part of the city at night. We passed by a place with lots colorful lights and some young men hanging outside, I asked if its a pub, my friend almost laughed to tears, turns out it was a temple.
3 food is good, I had the most delicious breakfast yesterday. Lots different types of bread, roti, dipped in curry. Vegetarian food are so yummy here. Ramya has helpers visit home each day to clean the dishes and the floor, the home always kept tidy and clean. The helper also cook the food for the family, quite yummy and simple food.
4 The apartment compound has three swimming pools, gym, table tennis and a squash court. We played table tennis yesterday, it was a lot of fun.
5 I can be Indian ! Ramya and I visited this art gallery at the arts school in Bangalore. At the entrance of the gallery, foreigners need to pay a bit more in terms of ticket price. Ramya told them I am Indian, the ticket counter guy asked his colleague if I could be Indian, the colleague nod the head and said “yes, she looked Indian” . SO I GOT IN with local price . I was really pleased with it and Ramya and I laughed about this for a long time.
LIYANG'S THOUGHTS 