April 6, 2024
It’s taken me a week to get back into the flow of writing. The heat in Puttaparthi became unbearable. I was exhausted. No reprieve. I missed the ever present sea breezes in Varkala on hot days!
In Parthi, I spent most of the day inside, under a fan. The daily power cuts were not helping the situation! It always seemed to be mid-day high heat and off would go the fan! I couldn’t take it anymore.
I gave myself four days to rest and heal after the dental work. I had a lot more healing to go, but I longed to escape the constant 40 degree days! On March 30, a week ago, I left Puttaparthi for the bustling city of Bengaluru, the Silcone Valley of India. I would stay for two nights and grab an overnight train monday evening to Varkala. Back to the SEA!
I boarded an early morning train. The ride was about 3.5 hours but I still treated myself to an AC compartment:) The cool air was such a relief.
I booked a hotel online. Decided to try a new place. Good location. Sometimes it works out, sometimes not. I’ve had more good luck than not with booking.com. I grabbed a rickshaw, the driver took my bag and asked if I had a hotel booked? I told him the name of the hotel. He responded with “Not good place” Not exactly what I wanted to hear. Maybe he was just hoping to deliver me to a hotel where he would get a commission. The usual case around here. I was withholding judgement. I’d know soon enough. I told him I had already paid (partially) online. He repeated a couple more times “not a good place” Damn. I was ignoring my growing sense of dread.
We pulled up to the FabHotel Phoenix Resort. It was a bit dingy. I expected that it would be a bit rough, knowing the area. I’m only paying three star prices. So you get what you pay for….but this was NO “FABHOTEL” 100 % False Advertising.
I approach the desk at the reception. I was almost glared at. Not one smile. The reception I got left much to be desired. Not sure if it was because I was a solo woman traveller, a foreigner, or they were BOTH just having a bad day. Hmmm. I paid and went to my room.
The booking site had claimed there was AC, well that fantasy was out the window. Actually not possible as they were shut tight! Thankfully the room was not too warm, only a touch stuffy. No chance of getting a bit of “fresh” air. Oh well, at least there was a good, silent fan. Focus on the wins. There was a flat screen tv (which I would not use) and couldn’t because it was smashed. Hmmm. Not one towel. Dirty sheets, floor, carpet, walls, all dirty. The hotel rating was quickly sliding down to a one star! Quite a variety of bugs were already sharing the space. As long as they were not planning on becoming bedmates! (I ended up sleeping on my sheet on top of the bedding. Not taking chances) In the morning I heard scratching in the walls, probably rats, or mice. On the last day I noticed a ceiling panel was loose with a gaping hole!!! I would have never slept if I had I seen that earlier. God Help me.
If I hadn’t been so tired from the past week, I would have bolted, paid or not. I just didn’t have the energy. But, I’m a trooper, I can do this. It’s only TWO nights. I have stayed in rougher places. But, at least the people were friendly and welcoming. AND not making claims they did not live up to.
I booked in the Commercial Street area as it’s central. All the usual spots I like to visit were close by. Easy to walk to. There were a few places not so close, and I would have to walk through a traffic nightmare. I’ve had lots of practise, but truly it’s a bit exhausting. A new additon in the past few years are actual Stop Lights. MOST people use them. But not always, it is still a very good practise to stay present and always aware of your surroundings.
My first outing over to MG rd I took an auto. It was only a 20 minute walk, but I didn’t have the energy to dodge the traffic. I was feeling a bit unsettled. The next day I ventured out on foot, it was a good way to get the adrenaline flowing. Too much traffic! But I survived!
Higginbothams Books is one of my usual stops in Bengaluru. Always find a good book or two there. While wandering the streets I came across a hidden gem off Church St. down a little alley.
“The Book Worm” what a sweet store, used and new books, I grabbed a couple there also. I needed to stock up for the beach!
The next day I walked the incredibly congested commercial street. It was the weekend and packed with shoppers. I avoided the shops and headed straight to Shaman Beauty School I have been having treatments at this salon since 2001, everytime I come to Bengaluru. A few of the staff have been there since my first visit. Shireen, the owner, is a great employer and the staff feel like one big, happy family.
This photo was taken in 2017, Shanti has been giving me pedicures since she was 15 yrs old. This time I had a stress relieving hot oil head massage, much needed.
Back to the hotel to rest. Not much eating these days while healing this hole in my mouth. Two more weeks and back to Indian Food!!!
The last day in Bengaluru arrived and I was not leaving until 8 pm, so back to MG Rd. Found a good coffee shop there with a decent breakfast. While walking back to the hotel I happened to walk past a “Toni and Guy” Hair Salon.
My (yellow) hair had been really bugging me so I stepped in and talked with Tashi. I decided to go for it and got my hair colored. Tashi knew what he was doing and was a pleasure to chat with.
By 6:30 pm I was packed up and ready to grab an auto. Always an exciting ride through Bengaluru, dodging buses, bikes and autos. One must have faith. Even though it’s chaotic, there is flow.
It felt good to be on the move and heading back to the beach. I arrived early to the train station.
A porter (coolie) approached me to carry my luggage. As he lifted my 23 kg suitcase onto his head I cringed. I could just feel his spine compressing. Good God. He had to carry this load up a flight of stairs and down to the other side of the tracks. I felt guilty the whole walk. He carried it with such Grace never saying a word. He dropped me at the exact spot for me to board, which was a long walk down the platform. As he took the suitcase off his head and placed it beside me. I know the coolies charge 150 rupees, but I handed him a 500 rupee note. I thanked him for his service. He looked at the money and looked away. He was so moved. I knew I had done the right thing. He said “I don’t ask, I don’t ask” I said ” I know I know, but I am giving, you so hard working” He stood there for a couple minutes, looking away and back to me. He didn’t know quite what to do. I was moved and was grateful that I followed the impulse to give him more than was expected. It was a blessing for both of us:)
This train was only starting it’s journey at this station, so it was great to know I had longer than 2 minutes to board. That was always a bit hectic. If you are not in the exact spot, it can be a huge challenge. Been there done that before, more than once. I boarded 20 minutes before we left. I got comfortable, locked up my suitcase and relaxed. I was in a 2AC, only four people to a compartment. It was cool, spacious and clean. Best decision.
I had a great sleep and arrived in Varkala the next morning just before noon.
SO happy to be back in Varkala.
READY for my holiday to begin!!!