Given our earlyish arrival, we decided to power through the first day in an attempt to conquer jetlag. After a much needed hot shower (despite the “coincidental” effect of the downstairs water heater on the power), we stepped onto the streets of India for the first time, as we walked to the corner store to buy bread. The streets themselves were on the moderate side of bustling – women in brightly colored saris and selwar kamezs walked their uniformed children to school, men in western garb headed to work, and cows wandered semi-unaccompanied. Huge upscale condo buildings and western-style schools lined both sides of the dirt road (which did have brick sidewalks). Although still “dirty” in the western sense, the bright light and swept sidewalks contrasted positively with other developing cities I've seen (sorry, Nairobbery).
After a wonderfully filling breakfast of toasted butter and cheese sandwiches (heavy on both) and mango juice (brings back memories!) we hopped into the car to drive into the heart of the “Garden City.” Our route took us past the towering parliamentary houses, immense in their white stone splendor, and through the semi-wild, semi-planted Cubbin Gardens. We were deposited at M.G. Road for some shopping and lunch. We have an Indian wedding to go to as part of the trip, and I wanted to wear something festive.
The shopping experience had a bit of a goldilocks vibe. I wanted a selwar kamez, or 3 piece suite of flowing tunic, tight jegging-like pants, and a scarf. The first store we went to was toooooo ornate – brocade outfits that would have vied with the bride for attention. The second set of stores we walked by were too simple. Finally, we wandered into a decent store where I found a pretty maroon and lime green (prettier than it sounds, mom) outfit. I totally plan on buying more, but for $35 I have a good option. We also bought some English language books and shopped for Sandalwood souvenirs.
For lunch we went to Ebony, an Indian and (allegedly) continental buffet on the 13th floor of an office building. We ate outside on a balcony with full views of the city, soaking in the sunshine while pushing the spicy curries around with naan (I ate mostly papadams when I found a lamb kidney in my biryani). We finished with desert at the Corner Shop, an ice cream place on Brigade road famous for its “Death by Chocolate” dish of ice cream, brownies, chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
After our long flights and long day, we were ready for a nap. We emerged briefly for an amazing homemade meal of dosas, chutney and sambar, before falling asleep by 9. Sometimes, you just gotta give into the 'lag.
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