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Me and Amdavad


Well, going to office is sure not the best thing that can happen every morning but sadly I am left with no choice. On my way, I cross the C.G.Road, one of the most happening streets of Ahmedabad. The many pigeons lined up on the street lights on the median and the few flying around bring this smile on my face every single day.

To be in a city where culture and tradition is so blended in the society… where most of the people enjoy street khana than fast food on a regular basis.. Where the locals believe in enjoying every moment with their family.. Where the main roads become picnic spots for friends and families late in the night.. And most important - where professions related to ‘architecture’, ‘design’ etc. is not something that would bring any sort of expression change on the listener!

Yes – I guess this is exactly what I wanted during my internship – a blend of city life, traditional touch and of course professional architecture!

There are certain things that I found ‘interesting’ about this place and I want to tell you guys–

People are very lively and cherish each and every moment of their lives. They believe in living life in a kick ass way! I always thought that only Punjabis were so fun loving. Weekends are masti time for one and all. They watch every movie released, shop atleast one kurti and have a couple of meals outside! Fact – They are not at their best when it comes to English but just in case there are no hindi movies to watch (coz they saw all that were released), they would go and sit for an English film whether they can follow it or not! :D

Amdavadis are big time foodies. Sometimes it is hard to keep track of the number of times they eat. Experience – I get back to my seat after lunch and I see someone already walking around with some ‘nastha’. After observing for the past couple of months, I have concluded that these people are not so fond of main meals (but that itself needs around 225cm sq… the scene of each of them spreading their lunch-roti, 2 sabjis, dal, rice, chaas, sweet pickle – Uff! And after eating the whole thing they behave like “I just ate coz lunch is imporatant”), they find the idea of 24x7 snacks a better option! Seriously – they can eat forever! :D

Oh and how can I not mention, Gujarat may not be the sugar bowl of India but it definitely is the BIGGEST sugar punter.    The cuisine of Ahmedabad consists of such yummy lip smacking dishes that you'll be tempted to try out ONCE (this is for south Indians). my stay here leaves me with this doubt – “do you guys really have the concept of desserts?!” Not that I haven’t asked this to any of my gujju friends but trust me, everyone just giggles without giving me a convincing reply!

The best part – as I mentioned, people here live life king size that Audi, BMW or Mercedes is sort of the common vehicle in town. But it is so kool to see the owner of the same vehicle get out his car, stand with street vendor for some fruits or vegetables and then pick a fight for prolly 1 or 2 rupees. They so know how to make money and carefully use it too! :P

The most interesting and at the same time the most brief point – Indians believe that Gujarat is a ‘dry’ state. But today I know that you should not believe anything blindly. Come here and find out for yourself :P

Any ways, If you want to know how good this city is, the grandeur of the architecture, the places to visit etc etc you can always browse. This is just to let you guys know some ‘interesting’ facts. :P

Whatever maybe the case, Amdavad has been very welcoming to me and this brief stay I have here will be a memorable chapter by itself J


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