Hey guys, I am so sorry that I didn't post anything for the past week and I was planning to publish two blogs about the trip I had at the weekend but then the place I stayed had poor Wifi connection and so I couldn't use the internet even for any other purpose and I was outside most of the time. Therefore, I am going to write about my trip in the three blogs, days by day. 

So I went to Bangalore last Thursday to collect my belongings. Well that was one reason I told my parents in order of get permission to travel especially in the current circumstances and that was one of the reasons. The main reason, however was that I didn't get to say a goodbye to the city the last time I left as I was rushing things and was supposed to return in two weeks but then the pandemic hit the world and that eventually delayed the trip. 

Another reason was to see my best friend before he left Bangalore for his next step in life. Ever since the pandemic hit, I have been waiting for a chance to go to Bangalore to meet my friend and also to collect my stuff which I left at his house as I couldn't carry all of them when I left the last time. My friend, on the other hand was also waiting to leave the city for his next step which had been delayed because of travel restrictions in the pandemic. 

So both of us were looking for a day convenient for both of us to meet up, chill one last time together and the meeting was easier for him but not for me as I was travelling from a different state. 

After waiting for 518 Days i.e., 74 weeks i.e., 17 months, i.e., a year and a half, I got my chance or should I say, I took the first given opportunity instead of waiting for another one or waiting for longer because you never know, anything can happen during this time. 

I boarded the bus on Thursday night and had a sound sleep. The next morning, I woke up to my alarm an hour before my stop and looked out through the window to see where we have reached. I was wondering how it would be as a lot has changed over the past one year, the pandemic being one reason and I wasn't sure if I would like the change. 

When you arrive in Bangalore by bus, the first people to welcome you aren't your friends or family but the auto drivers who were keen on taking your bags from under the deck and ride you to your location. (It's cab drivers if you are coming by flight or train.) I was certain that I didn't need one as the place I booked was a mere walking distance. Even then the auto drivers were persistent in taking me mentioning about the curfew and even reducing the fare but I politely declined as I walked my way to the hotel. 

The day has just begun and the shops are just being opened and the people are slowly stepping out. It was all calm and quiet. That's when I felt the cool and pleasant breeze; the same kind of breeze I felt when I stepped out of Bangalore Airport last January. That is how the city welcomes you if you are coming after or for vacations. 

If you get to feel the cooler breeze the moment you step out of the bus or the airport in Bangalore, you are welcomed. That made me feel better. the city that I fell in love with has welcomed me and through the cool breeze, it made me feel like I was back home. 

I checked into a hotel I booked online and was really upset with it probably because of the poor internet connection. But I decided to let it be as it is going to be only for three days and I am going to be outside most of the time. That was the most dullest place I have ever been in my weekend trip to Bangalore and that has become a reason for me to step out. 

I had all the three meals outside and I found the city more vibrant and lively under the covid protocols and I liked every bit of me as I walked around the area I was staying at the moment (for the first time). Since it was my first time exploring that area, I did enjoy it and the area where I used to live was closed for roadworks and most of the shops are closed. I wasn't sad about it but I was glad to be back after so long. My best friend said that it was good to see me back. I agree, it felt really good to be back in Bangalore. 

             (…. to be continued.)