I am seriously thinking of making it a regular thing to go out somewhere during the weekend, even if it is a half-day outing! I realized that all I had to do was schedule an errand and once that was tackled, simply spent the day out.
Could become a very enjoyable and addictive habit! Last weekend we made time to smell the flowers and this weekend, after finishing the errand we set off towards the Government Aquarium. We weren’t sure if it would be open, or if there would be anything there, as all the tanks were empty when we last visited, years ago.
Still, we decided to take a chance – who knew if the authorities had decided to revive it again? So we went. And to our delight, found it not only open, but with a few fish tanks. We spent a very pleasant hour there until lunchtime. Click the gallery to see each pic
Then, during lunch, we discussed what to do next. Sometimes it is such fun not to pre-plan! We decided on impulse, to take the Metro. I was very keen because since its launch we’d never had the opportunity to ride in it. The walk to the Metro station was a little long and yes, it was a Walk to Remember.
We took in a puppet art exhibition that was truly stunning. We walked along the pathways – the one at road level has lots to see – art displays, sand sculptures, a huge snakes and ladders game on the sidewalk where one can actually walk up the ladder or slide down the snake. I was eager to play but my folks wanted to move on. Hmph! We admired all the changes in the area – at one time we used to visit this part of town at least once a fortnight.
As we waited for the Metro train to arrive, we decided to visit the “Bangalore Santhe” – a crafts village sort of project near one of the stations. What a pleasure it was to walk around the Crafts fair! Some folk performances were scheduled for the evening as the village was celebrating its first anniversary, but we couldn’t wait that long as we had to get back home by 6.30 in time for Vidur’s music class.
There is one scene that sticks in my head. We stopped at one of the shops and Vidur wanted to buy a little idol of Krishna. While we waited for the young chap in the shop to pack it, we ended up buying a cute little miniature tricycle made of cane. The boy at the shop said he was minding the place for his uncle who had gone out to bring stuff.
While exiting the village, I saw the boy sitting with an elderly person who must have been his uncle. The uncle was busy working on something and the boy kept trying to put a pair of headphones on him. The uncle laughed and kept protesting, and the boy was laughing too. It was so sweet to watch them tussle together and finally, the boy hunkered down and hugged him and the uncle held him close, patting his back.
Mmm.
After we returned to the Metro’s starting point, we walked back to the place where we’d find transport back home. This time we walked the pathway above the road level, through arches lined with flowers and a great vantage point to see the traffic on the road. This is one of the hubs of Bangalore and anyone who visits would never leave without taking in MG Road and Brigade Road.
Tired and quite happy, we made our way back home. Oh yes, as usual, I took lots of pictures. I had forgotten to make space in my camera and it courteously informed me its memory was full halfway through the day. Thank heavens for cell phone cameras!
What a wonderful day, we thought. Later in the evening, I enjoyed a movie titled “A Walk to Remember” based on the book by Nicholas Sparks. Then I thought, that would make a cool post title because that’s exactly what it is about!
I felt slightly disoriented this morning when I woke up and tried to make my list for the week. How nice it is to go offline and take a mini break. I fondly remembered those pre-internet days when our entertainment revolved around going out to the market or sightseeing, visiting friends, spending time with family, cooking something special, reading books and listening to music. I’d love to get back to that again.
And so I resolved to make it a point to spend more time offline than now.
Have you consciously thought about slowing down? What are you doing about it?
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What a lovely walk to remember it is, Vidya! Sounds like you all had great fun. I love visiting craft villages and such places. There is really so much to see, savour and enjoy there, even if you don’t buy anything 🙂 Your words and pictures really make the fun family outing come fully alive for the reader.
A day full of beauty and discovery…how wonderful!
Sure you had a good day!
I tested my kickbike first time – I’m sure feeling jelly tomorrow! 🙂
…first time after winter months…
Definitely good to plan an outing on the weekends. Look forward to more of your adventures.
Lovely! My wish is to have more play time in my life. A beautiful walk like this is definitely within my definition of play time. I’m keen on more mini-breaks and appreciate this inspiring encouragement.
🙁
This post reminds me of Bangalore…makes me feel so far from home..
Missing India
Nice post
I enjoyed all the pictures in this post. I can relate to being surprised at how nice it can be to experience the day outside. I use to have really bad anxiety that I would be afraid to go out at times, but since overcoming that, I have enjoyed going out with friends.
The biggest thing for me is to recognize that even if I feel like not going out in the moment that I will appreciate it later on, so I should act opposite to the emotion and go out.
Have a wonderful day.
Thank you for bringing me on your walk, dear Vidya.
The pink flowers draping over the top of the building is stunning!
–Love you more than pink flowers! xx
Looks like a wonderful day and worth repeating. I think you have the right idea — plan something out and then stay out and have some fun. I need to do that — I am a homebody by nature but once I’m out, I love being out .
🙂
Traci
Hi Vidya! I’ve been doing much the same, reconnecting to the community, taking the boys to the beach today, and going to the end-of-school-year Fair. Love the fish!
That was a really nice break from planning, targets, etc.!
Crafts villages or exhibitions are extremely eye-opening experiences in at least 2 ways: we get to meet highly skilled craftsmen/artists and see them at work; we also realise how they normally get only a pittance of what we pay for their work, while the lion’s share goes to middlemen.
I slow down occasionally by staying away from TV (easy!) or by staying away from the computer and the internet (not so easy!).
🙂 That’s true! We were happy to meet the craftsmen who either brought their wares from somewhere or made them on the spot. We had a very pleasant time. These days, I find it easy to flick the switch on the computer. It only takes self control! I am glad I never caught on to browsing on the phone. I just recently learned to check email.
Thank you, Pro.
My only problem with going anywhere in Bangalore on weekends is with the crazy traffic. It acts as a killjoy. Enjoyed your pics and fun activity.
Luckily we don’t own a car, Rachna, and pretty much depend on public transport. Also, we do these outings without pressure.
In three weeks, it will be back to the routine for us 🙂
Well, you’ve certainly had an energetic weekend! I didn’t know about the aquarium. I took GY to the Vishweshariyya Museum and we loved it there! Must check this out soon.
A lovely ramble Vidya and beautiful photos! So great to not plan everything and see where the nose/muse leads. Have a GREAT week!
What a great post – I loved being with you on your weekend wander, and slowing down yes that’s definitely on my ToDo list!!! Just gotta work on my willpower 🙂
Have a great week
Wren x
Oh Vidya – thanks for taking me along on your wonderful Sunday stroll. You brought it all so alive- and I loved the small stories about the people you met, esp- the boy and his uncle… 🙂 And I agree – sometimes not to plan ahead – brings out the best experiences… Just go along, and see what turns up.. Slow walk and slow living – yup – all for that…
I am realizing more and more that planning for happiness is overrated, Eli 😀 Impromptu impulsive are my words this year 😛 Thank you. I loved your post about the Mumbai hotels and am looking forward to reading more!
U had an awesome day, Vidya, celebrating everything beautiful as proved by the awe inspiring pics. Keep walking but slow down makes us elevated souls, isn’t it? Sometimes, we need it:)
Yes, Vishal. And when art and nature are thrown in, pure heaven! 🙂
Looks like an awesome days spent…how wonderful!!
btw: I love the movie ” A Walk To Remember” 🙂
I cried buckets at the end of the movie, Kajal! The book is even more awesome.
Thank you for dropping by!
What an amazing day! So happy you shared it here! ♥
An amazing day with beauty everywhere. I love the Uncle and nephew. We all need to take time and the people who do not take the times for themselves are the young women who are working and raising children. I have 2 friends who fit that category and they are forgetting themselves. It is Go, Go, Go and that is not good. I love listening to the wind through the trees. I love a nice walk, I love making cards and listening to beautiful music. Family, however big or small should be cherished. I am blessed
Lovely, Vidya!! The crafts fair looks interesting. And A Walk to Remember is one of my favourite movies 🙂 🙂
I am also a walking and public transport type person…liked every bit of your walk though personally yet to experience the Bangalore Metro. You are very correct in impromptu actions to enjoy life…
I do love a day out… we don’t do enough of them really but they are so much fin when we do
mollyxxx
Bangalore Sante has always been a treat. a place where you discover hidden treasures!! I didn’t know the aquarium was reopened! how interesting.
I go offline very often. sometimes, days together or sometimes just the weekend. It helps me stay in love with the online world that way.
After all those years in Bangalore, I now discover there is an aquarium!! A trip on the Metro is on my list for my next visit. Thanks for reminding me of the SOul Santhe, Vidya. I’ve really enjoyed it. Is it still held near the Police grounds?
What a lovely walk you’ve taken my mind’s eye on!
Reading about your walk has made me feel as refreshed as if I took the walk myself!! The scene between the uncle and nephew is sweet!!
I love watching the fishes swim. It’s kind if therapeutic to me. The crafts project has a wonderful collection. One never know what these walks might show you. I love going on walks too.
My friend told me today to GET SOME REST. Then I read this post – and I think I should listen. A slow, easy stroll without pressure is good for the soul. Thank you for taking me along on your stroll and now I will have to plan one of me own — or NOT plan, right? Just let it happen.
Thank you for the encouragement to relax
Carol
A very beautiful walk which I enjoyed reading about .. You know what even I want to slow down. The first thing to do this is that I want to free myself being worried about work at office…
Great sharing ! Yes, being a nature lover, I also prefer to walk down the places or use a public transportation. Lovely pictures, by the way !
Sounds like you had fun!
Yes, we must get out, even if it for a short while.
Beautiful post. A walk to remember alright.