Pune always...

Since not so long ago, the Mumbai-Pune expressway has become one of the bestest things about Pune! :) It’s a wonderful journey through the scenic beauty of the hill range between the two cities, especially so, when it is cloudy. A window seat in the bus feels like heaven! Plus the duration of the journey is considerably reduced, though one wishes the bus just keep going on and on…

Pune, with so many educational institutions is such a bouyant place. It houses some of the best colleges and management schools. Fortunately, my college, Fergusson College is the best in the city, with its vast campus, illustrious history and alumni, a very average canteen and the very famous Fergusson College Road. Strangely they have made FC road a one-way road and so many shops having cropped up, it looks different now, from what it did, when I was in college.

 However, FC road still has the "best looking crowd in the country, the best aloo-paratha restaurant, best tea & samosa, and also chocolate thickshake (though its price has been increased from a modest Rs.20 to Rs.35, how cruel is that.)". I can think of more food.. and places one could get food for such low prices, mostly attributed to the fact that Pune is such a student’s city. It’s a very safe city. You could loiter around on your scooty or bike, late into the night. (How I miss my scooty.)

The roads in the city are smooth and the local transportation is bad, so you can rely on your own bike the most, to reach any place. However, safety is where, Mumbai scores over Pune. The roads in mumbai are full of vehicles, but you wont risk your life while crossing the road, unlike in Pune, where it’s a mad mad rush for the two-wheeler riders; they don’t mind running over you, same goes for the untidy buses.

But what Pune gives you is space while walking, you won’t find yourself struggling to find place to put your foot, there won’t be a flood of people. Also, the weather in Pune is cool and chilly all through the year. You get a chance to don your winter wear, which is never going to be possible in Mumbai. Mumbai is so damn hot! Like a friend, once told me, after travelling from kharghar to andheri in the local train, that he’s going to stay home and rest for a month, as he deserves it after such a hot day in the local train! :D

Pune’s got a chilled out attitude through and through.. You’ll enjoy yourself any time of the year. There’s scope for random outings, movie plans, visit to your college, just to sit peaceful in Lower Rec and feel like a carefree Fergussonian. A weekend gateway to Pune is a great idea. It helps you enjoy many things and unwind yourself. The worries disappear for a bit!

Not just pune but I think everyone should try to go out to places over the weekends to rejuvenate themselves. You are sure to come back charged.