Bengalored

There are places that attract us for no apparent reason. I couldn't find a great reason to be here. I've heard in this city bangalored, but never met the definition of such a thing. So I went to the city, open to all that it had to give me...

MG Road and Cubbon Park

All cities are marked by its avenues. These are large sites that unlock the movement of its inhabitants. Some are important for its commerce, others by their beauty and by their importance on the centrality of a city. I would say that Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road as it is known) is the last case. More than trade or beauty, is its centrality to brands it. Here, all roads seem to lead to MG Road, and transit - in stand still mode at rush hour - is testimony to this. On the sides of this avenue are large companies, hotels and shopping streets. At its center, the metro line, positioned some meters above the ground. And it is through this avenue that we go... well, anywhere.

In my case, I wanted to go to Cubbon Park. A park planted in the middle of the city and a contrast to the bustle of the capital of the State of Karnakata. Here, we almost lose the notion of being in India. There is almost no traffic, the streets are straight and the green trees give a peace impossible to achieve in the turmoil of typical Indian street. The couples walk. The elderly reflects. The squirrel leaps from branch to branch. Of course the type of trees and wildlife that flies around here, tells you that you are in India, but the statue of Queen Victoria almost transports you to another era. It is a good place to relax and charge batteries before you enter the bustling part of the city.

Chickpet (market)

This is the old part of town. Central Transport (bus and train), place of the city's stronghold and big local street market. Around here, a lot of confusion and narrow streets. Accompanying much of the course, a market that invites us to participate. I walk through it. Only one among many people who pass through here.

Like everything in India, we are swallowed. But it's a good feeling. Like a wave, we just let ourselves go where it has strength to take us. From there, we are once again on our own. No doubt that this site completes the more peaceful part of the city. Without this market, and its sounds and tastes, Bangalore would be a poorer.

Shopping centers

I wanted to be here to... be. Wanted to try an Indian city. Modern and contemporary. Bangalore, a place that has seen grow the co-founder of Hotmail, is now a growing city. I ended up going where people spend most of their time: the mall. All over the place, it is here that the city moves.

And the improbable ends up happening when you want to know a city. Not given to malls, I end up spending sometime in them. No different from what we are accustomed. Perfect picture in today's world, with all its positive and negative sides. Here you buy clothes and Christmas gifts. Or you pass the time watching movies. That's what I chose. Not having a varied choice (want to see a Bollywood movie in Mumbai), I end up going to see Mission Impossible. A great success, with sessions often sold out. With the ticket in my hand, I go to the cinema room. But then there are differences. I find I can not go with tobacco or cigarette lighter. Relieved of this burden, I enter a dark room where many await the start of the film. Inside the small Indian confusion. By this time it's also mine. Before it starts, the government document attesting to authorization to begin our film.

Bangalore is not a charm. If considered each of its aspects alone, there will be other places in India where we will find better. But Bangalore is Bangalore. It is a mix of wide city, Indian, commercial and very dynamic that makes it special. And while I savor my espresso in one of those trendy cafes, I think, I've been "Bangalored" ...