Pune

Pune, Maharastra’s economic powerhouse, is bustling as the chariot enters its city limits. We begin to the see the approach of Western modernism on the old city. Interspersed between simple shed-like storefronts seen in other parts of India are modern office buildings, complete with neon signs familiar to city dwellers in the West. We pass a Citigroup financial building, in front of which pass a herd of cows. We pass a Samsung showroom displaying the latest LCD televisions. We pass bars and restaurants overflowing with patrons. We also notice a great many female motorists and cyclists, who ride their motorbikes in the familiar manner, rather than side saddle behind their mates.

We have dinner at Prem’s, a restaurant recommended by a drunken local and head back to our room via rickshaw. The rickshaw driver takes us back to our hotel driving in the wrong direction, against opposing traffic. Between stops, he breaks out in song. We noticed this penchant to break out into spontaneous song in others we had met, but we thought it odd and drew no conclusions. Now we are beginning to suspect that we're the odd ones. Pondering this question, we settle in and retire for the night.

Posted at 09:00PM Jan 02, 2007 by D Bums Comments[0]