Bangalore Trip - our Stressbuster

Anand & I were looking forward to our trip to Bangalore. Pavithra was neither eager nor unenthusiastic – she knew she can spend some fun time with her cousin Pooja but she also knew that she will miss out playing with her gang of friends – cricket, badminton, hide n seek, soccer.

The 3 of us along with our pet dog Sparky, started from Chennai on 24th April by about 7.30 AM in our Alto Car. First halt at Shirdi Baba temple in Guindy. Anand & I were on an upbeat mood – of course, away from the daily grind is a welcome change. But we were also concerned about how Sparky would manage this travel – first time that he was travelling such long distance. Stopped at Hotel Arusuvai (after Sriperumbudur) for breakfast – as mentioned in my earlier travelogue, food is good here, lots of parking place & clean toilets. Sparky too had his breakfast during this break.

Too much of lorry traffic till we reached Hosur. However because of the good road, the drive was enjoyable & we were also in great holiday mood. Anand & Pavithra were continuously playing the songs from Vinnaiythandi Varuvaya & did not want to change the CD. Travel from Hosur to Bangalore has become easy now after the completion of the long, very long flyover. Toll fee has to be paid to use this flyover but it is worth paying – one can avoid so much of traffic.

Reached Akka’s home & had sumptious lunch. She has a pet dog Ginger. Just as we reached Akka’s place, she told Sparky that Ginger is his sister and to have only sisterly feelings for Ginger !!! & Sparky looked at her innocently ! First few minutes, Ginger & Sparky barked at each other & then they both ignored each other – we were relieved. Ginger is calm & well behaved – just like Pooja (my niece) & Sparky is hyper active – just like my daughter Pavithra.

Went on a shopping spree in the evening & had dinner in Hotel Nandhine – as usual, good food (waiting time in Barbecue Nation was more than an hour & car parking was a problem – so headed to Nandhine). Continued the shopping spree on Sunday morning too, lunch in Bangalore Central food court, some more shopping (yes we indulge while in Bangalore – we feel there is more choice of dresses here than in Chennai) & back home in the evening. All was well at home – Sparky & Ginger continue to ignore each other.

Visited one of my cousin’s place for dinner on 27th – had a good time. The 3 beautiful girls too had a great time (teenaged daughters of my cousin, my sis & me). No damages at home – Sparky & Ginger don’t pay attention to each other. 30th being our wedding anniversary, Pooja & Pavithra wished us at 12 AM . Anand & I visited the Shirdi Baba Temple at Cambridge Layout. Went out for dinner with my sister’s & cousin’s family. Can you imagine the languages being spoken amongst the 9 of us – English, Tulu, Tamil and Hindi – unity in diversity ! Food in the restaurant Infusion was very good, though a tad expensive, good ambience. Only the music was loud – may be, meant for the bar attached.

1st May, left for Chennai. Visited Brindavan Ashram in Whitefield before proceeding to Chennai by around 10 AM. Lunch at Ananda Bhavan (immediately after the nameboard Chinnar & before Krishnagiri) – good food but too much of crowd, lots of parking place, clean toilet. Sparky too had his lunch. Had a tea break in between. Good drive with good music.
Sparky didn’t have any problem with the long drive – most of the time, he was happily resting on my lap.

Trip to Bangalore is our stress buster – we always have very good time there - little bit of shopping (!) & a lot of relaxation.