An interesting evening -- Kuku's II Metro Ride

We wanted to visit the play-gym near our home but when we reached there, it was closed. Not wanting to spend the evening at home, we decided to go on the metro. Kuku has not been on one for almost six months now.

We parked at the Byappanhalli station and walked in. I forgot all about the frisking and walked toward the escalator when I was asked to go back. Kuku didn't want to wait and decided to go on the escalator by himself. He made for the escalator but the security guard, decided to stop Kuku. Unfortunately, he was not aware that Kuku hates to be carried by someone he does not know. In seconds, ppl looked shocked at the volume on Kuku! I was handed the screaming toddler with a smile while he continued bawling away. The screaming toddler suddenly had a bucket full of tears falling from his eyes and he wanted to get down while wiping his tears with his hand. Uff!! I was ready to sit down and cry - seriously!  I was already wondering why I had even thought this was a good idea but the rest of the evening was actually quite nice.

Anyway, after all the hoo-haa, we reached the platform without any more incidents. Kuku stared awe-struck as the metro train silently entered the station. After we boarded the train, he held on as if for dear life. The snap shows how scared he is :)

He also watched as the door beeped every time it opened and shut (at every station). At every station he kept saying 'Aaachu" (finished). We wondered if he wanted the ride to be over or he wanted to know if it was over.

We got off at the MG Road station and took a walk on the MG Road boulevard. It was quite late in

the evening but not very cold and so we happily walked almost all the way. Kuku really enjoyed the walk. He insisted on walking and refused to be carried and he made cheeky faces at his dad as his Dad was busy shooting candid pics.

It was a nice walk and there was a nice little Dasaprakash which did not look like it was functional but surprisingly it was. We decided to stop on our way back. The Arien ordered for a masala dosa and coffee. I ordered for vada. Vada was badly burnt and tasted awful. Masala dosa was yummy. Coffee was good as per the Arien.

Then came the shock - no return metro ride. It was after 8 and apparently, for a few days the train was not available after 8. We could not get an auto and we kept walking. It was not a warm evening and we were not dressed for walking in the cold. We finally got an auto and we were trying to protect Kuku from the cold air and he tried to push my hand and duppatta away! Uff. I do not think we have ever been that happy to see our car as we were that day. Serves us right for not looking for notices :(

An interesting evening!!

First Ride on the Metro with Kuku

We have been planning this ride since Kuku turned 1. Everytime the plan was close to materializing, something else always came up and this was pushed to the back. So, when it happened right out of the blue - it was a whole lotta fun :)

The ride was a short one - in fact, exactly two stops away. We were returning from a breakfast get-together in Indiranagar and the Arien dropped us off at the metro station there and said he would pick us up at Byappanahallai. The Taurean, self, and Kuku were taking the metro ride while the Ariens were driving to the drop off point.

Kuku was absolutely excited and enthralled. The escalator scared and excited him. The ride was smooth. Somewhere in between, he got a bit terrified and got all clingy - but had a nice time. He could not believe we were so high up and stared in awe at the coconut trees.

I think we should do this again - probably go upto MG Road and then back.  Thanks to the Taurean for taking this snap.

Been there, Done that -- Bengaluru Metro

Finally, 5 days after Metro service was launched in Bangalore, I went on my first metro ride. It was a holiday and I was visiting my grandma and aunts who live in Cambridge Layout. Visiting them was never an issue before 'cos I had my two-wheeler. Last Diwali, I disposed off my bike. And, because I am not comfortable driving my car, I have to either wait for the Arien to pick or drop me or take an auto. You do not want me to rant 'bout the rampant auto issue that folks in Bengaluru face. I was quite glad I had another option. Yes - The Metro!

After a nice loong chat with my aunts, and my grandma, a bowl of papaya, hot chai and biskoot, I decided it was time to go home. While I could have taken the metro frm Ulsoor, I opted to walk up to Indira Nagar and then take the metro from that station. The walk was invigorating. It had jes stopped raining and somehow the place felt so much like Bangalore and not Bengaluru.

Image Courtesy: www.mrnewz.com

The metro ride was a joy. I have travelled on the Delhi Metro and so while the experience was essentially the same, I was so glad to experience it here. The ride from Indira nagar to Baiyappanhalli cost me Rs. 12.  "So cheap.. so so cheap" was all that was running in my head :D I wished I had taken the ride earlier, as it was becoming quite dark and I really could not appreciate the view. All the seats in all the coaches were occupied. And quite a few ppl were standing when I got on. It took me ~6 mts to reach the station. I was lucky enough to get on the feeder service that dropped me off right opposite my Dad's place. That cost me Rs.9. I got to spend some time with the Taurean and the senior Arien before the Arien landed up to pick me up. If I had taken an auto from Indiranagar to my home, I would have spent minumum Rs. 100. On top of that, I would have to listen to the auto drivers rant 'bout how IT folks who sit in AC rooms all day are mean (because they refuse to pay auto drivers their hiked up charges). Let me not forget to add that most times, they are positively rude and refuse to take you anywhere that you have to go to. The metro is such a nice solution to all those issues. I wish they hurry up and finish up all the other lines as well. I wish they had a station near K R Puram or B Narayanapura. There is some plan to extend the existing route to whitefield. I wish they do.

Go Bengaluru!! Very positive news for Bengaluru!