Guide Book Writing: Getaway to My Apartment

My Apartment is situated in a pretty complex amidst ghastly concrete cuboids that are void of looks, space and trees. It is also away from all the mayhem on the main road. In every other sense it’s a typical apartment that you would find in Bangalore these days - with an “L” shaped hall and dining room.

Fact File:
Location: The apartment is situated off New B.E.L Road in North Bangalore (Bharat Electronics Limited is a Govt. company and a landmark).
Distance: It’s around 10 KMS from MG Road, 30 KMS from the airport and 8 KMS from the main railway station.
Transport: You could reach this place through either of the public transport system: BMTC Buses or Auto rickshaws (Rs. 7/- per km). You could also hire a taxi (citi taxi: (80) 25566644 or spot city taxi: (80) 25510000)
Journey time: In peak hour, it will take 40mins from the railway station or city centre or airport
Route: From MG Road or railway station you need to head towards Mekri Circle. From there travel towards the Yeshwantpur flyover. Take a right-turn at the first signal you see to reach New B.E.L Road. From Airport, take right towards Tumkur at Hebbal Junction and a left at the B.E.L circle to reach New B.E.L Road. Once on New B.E.L road, look out for a Barista Café. The road opposite leads straight to my apartment complex.

Orientation:
A 3 bedroom, a hall and kitchen with utility is all you can see here. The hall will lead you to a balcony which has an “oh-so-bad” view – the neighbour’s kitchen window. Call it as disadvantages of living in a crowded city. The master bedroom also has a balcony with a slightly better view, overlooking the children’s play area – at least some space before you see the next building!!!

The house pet is Shanta, a 10 year old cat from the street. Unlike usual cats, she loves people and waits to be the centre of attraction. She’ll just sit in the middle of any crowd, to be admired or petted. Though she doesn’t bite or scratch, sometimes she can get intimidating to people who are not used to cats or other pets.

The apartment itself has quite a few curios (including some antiques) and paintings. All around the house, you will find different styles of paintings. The host pride themselves in displaying art work of their artistic friends and families. They seem to know quite a few!!!

The hostess is quite particular about cleanliness which is a good thing for guests. With a pet at home it turns out to be a challenging job. But according to her, the house HAS TO be spic n span at any given time. Mind you – though she would love her guests to maintain the cleanliness, she doesn’t expect it. She will go about her cleaning when its time.

Where to stay:
Of the 3 bedrooms, the master bedroom with an attached bath, is the largest and is occupied by the hosts. The second bedroom, which is the guest bedroom, is slightly smaller with a queen size bed and an attached bath. The bedroom window overlooks a block of empty plots lined around just coconut trees. The space amidst the concrete jungle is a welcome sight. The last bedroom is really a multi purpose room. You will find a writing table, computer ware, library and even a single cot. The only disadvantage here is that there is no attached bath. You will have to use the common bath which is at the end of the dining hall.

What to eat:
Stay includes breakfast and dinner. On special requests, lunch can be arranged for. A variety of south Indian (mainly Mangalorean) and typical north Indian dishes are made by the house cook. On days that the hosts are free from their routine, they also churn out some continental or Chinese food as well.

Recommendations: Poha or Dosas for breakfast, Different varieties of Rasam or Sambhar for lunch, Bhajjias for snacks, special veg. pulao for dinner. And Lichi Phirni for dessert

Things to do:
Wireless internet is free those who own laptops. You could either plonk yourself in front of the TV or read a book from the small library. There is plenty of good music to listen to if you have an ear for classic rock, 70’s disco or Hindi fusion like Indian Ocean or Shakti. Group indoor games like Pictionary, Cluedo, Scrabble or even cards are available at the library. On rare occasions your hosts may allow you to cook something special in their kitchen [Warning – cooking MUST BE vegetarian and more importantly, should be followed by cleaning].

Culture:
A laid back setting except in mornings when there is a mad rush. The hosts have quite a few routine things to be accomplished before heading out for the day. So beware of hostess way as she might (quite literally) bite you for getting in her way.

You can have a relaxed and long evening at the apartment with no time restrictions. You may hear an occasional complaint from the neighbours if the evening turns loud, but the hosts keep them at bay.

The host turns out to be a good entertainer. If you fancy a drink or two, he’s even better. He’ll dish out unique cocktails and keep you entertained all night long. Patrons tip off that if you play truth or dare after a few rounds, the host will challenge a bare dare!

Around the apartment:
The apartment complex has all modern day amenities. You will find a basic gym and a swimming pool (with changing/bathing facilities). A small clubhouse over looking the swimming pool can hold around 40-50 people. For those interested, there is also a table-tennis table. A beautiful walking track has been laid outlining the complex. Along the path you will find herbs, shrubs and trees neatly planted. The diligent gardener maintains them along with a small lawn area at the entrance of the complex.

Get away:
A 2 minute walk takes you to the New B.E.L main road which has now become a shopping and eating haven for people of North Bangalore. One doesn’t feel the need to go to the popular Commercial Street or Brigade Road for shopping once this place has developed.

You can find almost all regular brand stores – Lee, Wrangler, Levi’s, Flying Machine, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Bata, Fabindia, Urban Yoga, Reid n Taylor, Raymonds, Allen Solly, Peter England, Titan to name a few. You can also find grocery stores like More and Reliance Fresh.

There are numerous restaurants serving popular cuisines like Continental, Chinese, Mughlai, Arabic, Andhra and South Indian [Prices ranging from Rs.300/- to Rs.1250/- per meal for two]. You can also find cafés including popular Café Coffee Day and Café Barista. There are even a few darshinis for those who love their Masala Dosa or Idli-Vada-Sambar.

Recommendation: Savoury is an Arabic Restaurant chain popular for its Shawarma Roll (Rs.35/-) or Broast Chicken (Rs.100/-). Neel is a multi-cuisine Restaurant ideal place for a family dinner. Its known for its tandoori spread and surprisingly - cocktails. Try their innovative Kali Mirch or Hari Mari Mirch Kebabs [around Rs. 200/- per plate].

The only pub on this road is a branch of a famous old pub of Bangalore, called Pecos. It will ensure your Saturday night is well-spent. Regulars swear by their good beer [unlike the main pub], better food [try the Crab or Prawn Pullimunchi Roast] and best Rock music around North Bangalore [Rs.250/- per pitcher, avg. of Rs.125/- per dish].

If you are an early bird, go for early morning walks. The entire New B.E.L Road stretch is around 5KMS. With huge trees planted on either side of the road and a decent footpath all along, it forms a perfect boulevard. The cool breeze will only make your morning walk more enjoyable.