My husband and I have not lived in Bangalore for very long. In fact, we just moved here a year ago from California. I had visited the city back in 2003, but that was a very short stay.
From my first visit in 2003, I remember that the city was much greener and cleaner then. However, the city is still much more greener than other cities in the country. There were so many more trees then, which have all been cut down over the years. But the autowallahs here were definitely thugs even then.
The one thing that has impressed me over the past one year is the cultural awareness among people. Every day, a number of book readings, art exhibitions and plays take place. It’s impossible to get bored here. You also get to meet a lot of like minded people at these cultural events.
However, one of the major banes of the city are the autowallahs. They give everyone a tough time and charge people extra to even go to places that are nearby. Getting around is not very easy, in my opinion. The city also sees a high rate of attrition as people keep changing jobs.
I’ve noticed that people here are generally more laid back, compared to abroad, but definitely more active than other 2 tier cities. The city is mostly technologically savvy, especially the kids. Another blessing is that English is widely and popularly used, making it easier for people who have come from outside to settle in quite easily.
The weather is pleasant through out the year. But at the same time, the traffic and pollution are uncontrolled. Its an urban jungle to say the least.
Some of the complexes and amenities have outdone even the west and are quite modern and beautiful.
Most of the people I have interacted with are quite educated.
The best part of the city is its foods joints and pubs. You can go to the same place again and again and never get bored of the food, music and ambience.
I also want to explore the smaller traditional food joints that the city is famous for.
(The writer is a resident of Koramangala)
LIKES
Lot of cultural events
Greener than other cities
Lot of people speak English
Nice weather
Large film industry
DISLIKES
Thuggish autowallahs
Pollution
Heavy traffic
Trees being cut down