Mar 25, 2008

Mooning over Millennium city..

Jazzy, isn’t it? This is how the ‘millennium city’ looked on the full moon night from my terrace.
I have realized how lonely Rapunzel must have felt in her tower; in my case, the lovely large terrace being the only saving grace. And I can’t even sing.
Not doing absolutely anything is becoming a routine here. I feel my muscles are slowly getting used to this. Warning: If this post sounds a little crummy, you should know – I am just checking if my fingers are working.

Well, I admit I am exaggerating but I am not at fault; Gurgaon is doing this to me. A brand new place: Ideally I should get excited about knowing, seeing and exploring things around. However, the initial vibes I get from this place can be called as, at best, mixed.

I cannot really go out anywhere, without any help. Of course it is not like Potter has stopped me from going anywhere; he would love it if I ventured out – on my own, without hoping and waiting for him to escort me around. Poor fella is stuck in office with neck deep work. For once, I would love to swap places. The season has not yet been the reason to avoid going out – it is still pleasant, thank God.
The real story behind this self imposed imprisonment is quite simple actually - there is no public transportation. No autos, no buses.
Yes, I know for those who have already been here, it’s no big surprise, but come on, I am entitled to be appalled by this. The other day, I had to had to go to the market (there are no shops nearby within the radius of one km, and I don’t live in a jungle) and I had to get into this cycle rickshaw.
One can only imagine how embarrassing it can be when one has to do it the first time. During the entire journey, I felt as if people on the street were staring at me as if I was the spectacle. But if one were to ask Potter, he would chuckle and say no such things occur – there are usually no people walking on the street, either they vroom and zoom in fancy cars or taking cycle rickshaws just like you, which makes them and you equal.
Finally when I reached the destination I sighed in relief, just wanting to jump out of the rickshaw – but the seat is designed by a retired acrobat, and there is a noble intention behind such design. It is to ensure people like me remember their former glory, give them the respect due and not take risks of jumping to end up somewhere near the pedals, all knotted.

How I miss all those small little general stores, the Food World, the dry cleaners! and most importantly, the eateries – all those little Darshini outlets… I don’t want idli dosas no, but something, anything as long as they are nearby? Funny thing is when I was in Bangalore, I did not visit them often; it now feels like they were the heritage sites that I missed out while being on a historical tour.

Oh, I don’t know, I really can’t rant and rave about this place since I have not yet explored it completely. But, yes, the malls – well, they are a different story altogether.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good to hear from you Rusty !! :-)

Cycle rickshaws oh man I struggle enough to get in and out of them
:-| hate them totally :(

We take things granted. When I happen to stay in Chandigarh for 3-4 months I missed the easy availability of idly and dosa so much :)

keep writing !!

Priya Iyer said...

good to see u back! :)

i cant even imagine a place without public transport. its scary! :(( i m so much used to it!

and ya, if u dont mind, whos potter? nice nickname! :)

keep ranting like this. it will ease ur settling-in pains. ;)

iz said...

You'll settle in. Just takes some time. And anyway you could always come back. No?

RustyNeurons said...

sunshine: Yes, I really have to get used to these cycle rickshaws.. at least until I get my bike which is, anytime soon..
Idli, dosa - I miss those dearies...

priya: potter is the other half! :)
yep, I do need to write and post when the great electricity board here permits!

Iz: I guess you are right, and yes I am dying to come back which, may not happen for the next 20 months at least :(

Rambler said...

hey looks like you have settled well in gurgoan
I did not know they do not have public transport.. that should be a real bad thing ..

btw potter?.. you know potter is a very nice word.. because potter is the one who shapes :)..

Bikerdude said...

Aha, Gurgaon girl is back to blogging eh? Great to hear from you. Have a blast there, and don't let the dodgy infrastructure bother you. Ride proud in your cycle rickshaw. Go eat chole bhature, parathe, jalebi and every imaginable mouth watering viand with Kumhaarji, and keep us updated!You're in the dalhi (almost) after all.

Lakshmi said...

good to hear from you..was wondering what happenned...so you are settled in your new place ?

RustyNeurons said...

rambler: yeah... like I said, it's going to be quite a lot of adjustment from B'lore. Potter - hmmm... yes, he does shape the dough to nice round chapatis!

BD: thanks I say!
"eat chole bhature, parathe, jalebi and every imaginable mouth watering viands" Time to welcome some adipose eh? No thanks!
But yes, I will 'traai' and keep you updated!

backpakker: well, not really - will happen in sometime I guess.. with things like shifting to a new house and all, I would finally settle..

Just Me said...

Welcome back! Gurgoan had better buck up if it wants to impress you, I see :P

RustyNeurons said...

:) I dont think it works, but I am slowly reconciling to it...
Howz NZ treating you?

HaRi pRaSaD said...

Poor you! Like I said earlier, I just spent an evening and a night in Gurgoan but nevertheless got an idea about the place and so could relate to your post! Good luck! :)

RustyNeurons said...

hello hari - yes, now, things are settling down slowly....