Bengaluru. A city that amazes you in every way every day.
It was 9am and a cool breezy morning at Bengaluru when my Akasa Air flight touched down. My second trip in less than 6 months but this time an extra day in hand. I was edging to explore the city with the little spec of time I would manage between work.
On my long walk towards the arrival gates, I quickly searched for a breakfast joint in the airport. I generally prefer the local cuisine, it helps me feel the place and not just wander. Spoilt for choice and my staple food crave along with a few suggestions lead me to Ooru Canteen. Healthy and filling Idlis for me and Masala Dosa for my friend. Quite content we checked into our cab and moved out to our 1st stop about 45 mins away from the airport with our cabbie for the 2 days of our visit, David.
Done with the 1st work stop, we chugged off to our next destination almost 3 hours away across the city and through the traffic. Time went by checking out the city through the window panes as I soaked in the vibe. Traffic, rush, busy commuters, yet no chaos. Somewhere I felt an old connection as the cab waded through Brigade Road, the youthful crowd, the cafes. My heart felt so good as I peaked into the book shops on Church Street. Cant stop, I reminded myself on the impending work and the purpose of my visit. Will come back soon.
We intended to have a late lunch but hunger pangs prompted us to stop at a food mall at Chalukya circle. The Courtyard by Sublime. A wild guess turned into a gold mine.
Over there far away on the perimeter are the restaurants and cafes. This upscale dinning complex had big names and lavish outlets and the ambience dreamy. I spent a quarter of an hour to make up my mind on where to go. Pragmatism prevailed and Starbucks emerged as the best option. My friend reminded me of our long journey and impending traffic.
Aphonso Mango Frapuccino for my friend and Ice shaken cinnamon espresso along with egg chicken croissant for myself. Fresh full and ready to move again we trotted towards the other end of the city. Still an hour to reach.
Once on our way back to Koramangala after having spent a long and good day we were greeted by the rains. Gentle and soothing. Mercury dropped in minutes.
We planned to dine at the “The Reservoire” at Koramangala. Strong recommendation by the locals. However, I was on the move since the last 14 hours and having lost the mental fortitude wading through traffic, decided to slide into the nearby Nexus Mall at Koramangala and at a pub The Salt – Indian Grill and Bar. The reviews on food was tempting.
Sumptuous meal along with a couple of drinks. A special mention on the food. It was awesome as was the vibe. We checked into our hotel at the Richmond Circle almost at midnight. Tired and satiated, dozed off for an eventful next day.
As the rain washed over Koramangala and the city slowed for the night, I reflected on the day. Bengaluru had shown me traffic, crowds, long commutes and packed schedules. Yet through all of it, there was an unmistakable calm. Perhaps that is Bengaluru’s greatest charm. Amidst the chaos, it somehow remains at peace with itself.
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The Curious Mind 
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