From Afar: Bangalore, My Ever-Evolving Old Friend

Bangalore, ah, my dear old friend! Every visit feels like catching up with a buddy who’s constantly evolving but still cracks the same old jokes. Whether it’s the early morning ambles through Lalbagh, where the grass is still half asleep, or the high-energy hustle of Commercial Street, where the art of bargaining deserves a gold medal, Bangalore knows how to keep me on my toes.

Now, living overseas has turned me into quite the daydreamer. I often find myself drifting off, imagining the smell of filter coffee wafting from my go-to café or the electric vibe of MG Road on a Saturday night. It’s funny how the city has mastered the art of juggling old-school charm with new-age chaos, all in one breath.

Take Cubbon Park, for example—a slice of serenity where the leaves gossip in the breeze. But then, step outside, and bam! You’re back in the traffic circus, where honking is a language of its own. I used to grumble about it, but now? I catch myself smiling at the thought of it from across the globe. Who knew I’d miss those little quirks that once drove me nuts?

Being overseas has taught me a thing or two about nostalgia. I never thought I’d miss dosa so much on a lazy Sunday or get teary-eyed thinking about the monsoon showers that turn the streets into swimming pools—and everyone into weather experts. Each visit feels like a reunion with an old pal—familiar, yet always with a twist.

In Bangalore, the past and the present do a pretty good job of cohabiting, just like my fond memories and my current homesickness. And even though I’m miles away, the city’s spirit lingers in the back of my mind, reminding me that no matter where life takes me, Bangalore will always be that one place I call home.