- We went to watch Changeling at Garuda Mall the other night. We caught the 10pm show. My sister whispered to me just as the movie was about to begin that even if it's a Hollywood production, there will be an intermission in the middle of the movie. I just stared at her blankly and then lost myself in the movie. In the begining I felt that Jolie's acting was a bit forced but as it went along I "enjoyed" the movie. It's not a fun movie that you laugh over but it was a great movie! As we exited the mall well past midnight, there was a line of autodrivers greeting us at the exit! What a service! 10 drivers to 2 young ladies - a blessing for them (as perception is women don't haggle as much). We just announced our destination. One driver came forward and said ok.
We of course asked a stupid question, "will you go by the meter?". Instant reply in kannada, "no madam. Will take Rs. 200." (Our meter reading from home to the theater was Rs.60). Sis, said she will give double whatever the meter reads (although, technically they are supposed to take only 1.5 times.
His response was classic and we couldn't stop laughing for his honesty, "I could take you round and round in circles and bring up the reading to the amount I am asking, madam."
In the midst of our laughter, sis gave the price of Rs.120. He asked for Rs. 150. We refused. Then he asked exactly where in the area we are going to. We shared. He looked exasperated and thought that was further away than the place he thought we were going. Again we really couldn't stop laughing. Why? The auto fellow felt 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) was far enough for him to charge Rs.80 extra (I think it's supposed to be Rs. 7 per additional kilometer or something - during regular hours). Anyway, he said only if we give Rs. 130. We said, fine and headed our way. At least he entertained us!
- Since for N and I this is our first trip back after marriage, we met a lot of people we met briefly at the wedding and also many who couldn't make it to the wedding. So, again we were showered with gifts. I really didn't need to go shopping for clothes! Luckily they gifted items that I liked very much! Just being after the tailor was a challenge enough!
- Restaurant service is painfully slow here! The staff are usually friendly and wonderful. It's their speed that baffles me beyond my comprehension. Often I feel as if they have gone down to some hillside to collect the purest water to bring it for me.
Even if the menu has only 5 choices, they give you enough time to decide that you have forgotten if you are there for breakfast or lunch!
Their generosity is boundless and is so commendable. They never want to bring you the bill. Silly us, too honest folks keep reminding them for the bill. I mean they give us at least half hour grace time to make our exit without paying, but we are stubborn honest customers who just won't leave without paying. Oh and when the bill comes we still need to beg them to take the money!!
And then there are times you feel that you should get the tip for services rendered.
- You say Queue, I say Line. But the idea is the same. The idea usually is that one person is served at one given time, most preferably on first-come-first-served basis at a single counter. Really, it's that simple. Crowding right behind the person being served is not going to speed up the process anyone bit.
Jumping queue because you feel my problem is silly is not your right to determine. Our constitution claims we are all equal.
And don't make faces when an elbow jabs you, oh was it mine?, unintentionally of course. It just means you are too close for my comfort and I need the space to access my purse - which really would help to finish what I am there for and for you to get your turn next. India is a big country - we have space. I am not asking for 5 feet of space but even a foot of space will be much appreciated.
- Sis and I went out for dinner Saturday night. We went to a nice lounge. We were there late night. Sis warned me that at 11.30pm prompt a policeman will come to close down the place. Usually the owner will give him some money and send him on his way so no trouble is caused. I really had to see this. I had read about this when it was first implemented two years ago (? I am not sure). It's a Bangalore thing - to curb drinking and driving, and other immoral activities, or something to that effect. Luckily for us, we were right by the door. But sure enough I missed that whole scene. Sis tried to point it out to me without making it too obvious but I didn't get it. So, yes, most established places close down. We even noticed that they had turned off the front area lights (the restaurant was upstairs).
And as we went down the stairs, there was a police jeep and the policemen were making their rounds. Whatever started off as a scheme to curb whatever they wanted to curb turned into a great income boon to the policemen, who come on time for a change!
Dancing is not allowed really. Some places put them up. The bouncer usually keeps an eye out for the cop car and when it comes, everyone inside takes a seat. It sounds so much like a parent-state, with police parenting!
I found it amusing and laughed until I watched on the news what happened in Mangalore pub. It's really disgusting to do what they are doing under the name of God. In this case it was not the police. The police would usually make their arrests, make some money and go on with their lives. Here, it's just disgusting. Really these people have nothing better to do!
‘We were molested in the name of God ’ But I would live in Bangalore, compared to Mumbai and Hyderabad. I just wish that it get some good public transport. I like the city. You have people from all over the globe, you have cultural shows, it's a buzzing city that rushes when it needs to and relaxes as well. I just like the "speed" of the city. I can feel/hear the Mumbaikers snickering at the mention of speed and Bangalore! ;)
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