02 June,2009 09:55 AM IST | | Namita Gupta
Rains in Bangalore mean different things to different people. Curling up in bed with a hot cup of kapi. Masala chai and bhajjis. Long walks. Traffic that drives you crazy. Or getting out the old clothes...
What's On gets Bangaloreans ranting and raving
Prasad Bidapa, fashion guru
"Monsoon bliss is not having to go to work and curling up in bed with a hot cup of kapi and the latest Alexander McAll Smith. It's walking in the garden and getting soaked in the spray from the trees and plants. It's going to Nanjappa Circle and buying hot vadas and alu bondas from the corner shop Bajji Ajji."
Harish Bijoor, brand-expert, and CEO, Harish Bijoor Consults Inc
"I'm getting my caps dusted. I have a large collection. I love walking in the rain. My dress code for the rain is shorts, a coloured vest and a new cap for every single day when it rains. Remember, it takes five days to dry a cap after being soaked in a Bangalore rain. Those who have not walked in the rain must try it once at least. Brave a cold or two. The feeling is ecstatic. It brings out the best of gourmet food there is to eat and the best wine there is to drink. I love Bangalore rains."
Aslam Gafoor, hospitality professional
"Get yourself a poncho. It's lightweight, easy to wear, fashionable and keeps you dry during sudden showers. You could also carry a small plastic bag in your pocket to prevent water from getting into your wallet and mobile. Avoid wearing suede shoes as rainwater can taint the fabric. I try to stay indoors during a storm as there is the danger of tree branches falling. It could damage your vehicles too.u00a0 Also, what could be better than snuggling in bed with a hot cup of masala chai, cup cakes and watching a classic musical on your home theatre?"u00a0u00a0
Abhijit Shilotri, CEO, Yatra Exhibits
"Originally from Mumbai, I've been living in Bangalore for the last 15 years. Monsoon in Mumbai was crazy. It used to rain for weeks there. Here, not one of us in the family has a raincoat because thankfully, it rains mostly in the evenings. My wife and I are back from work and the kids are back from school. I live in a penthouse, on the 7th floor, and have a three-side view of my surroundings. When it rains in the evenings, the view is really nice. Most of the times, we ask our cooks at home to make alu bhajjis and chai on such evenings, and sometimes when we're in the mood to drink, we keep ourselves warm with a scotch and canapes.
"But one thing I really detest about our city during the rains is the traffic, especially with the Metro work going on in the city. I would like my kids to have a great time as they are now old enough to enjoy the rains. We did that all the time during our growing-up days and it was so much fun. I think it's the best way to get close to Mother Nature."
Rakesh Kumar, RJ and producer, RadioOne
"You may think I'm playing spoilsport but let me tell you, I am being a realist here. Gone are the days when rains were beautiful, nature's blessing etc. It's more a curse now than anything else. The moment it pours here, our city gets choked. Drains overflow, traffic is crazy. A few days ago when it poured, it took me an hour and 45 minutes to get home from office from Anil Kumble Circle to Cambridge Layout. It happened the next day too.
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How pathetic and helpless can one's plight get? I feel the monsoon is relevant today only for the rich and famous who live in posh localities with domestic help to step out into that slush and mess to get things done for them. As far as my preparation for the monsoon is concerned, I am getting out my old clothes, parking my car and bike inside and getting ready to walk to work and other places to get errands done."
