A Tale Of Two Cities

A Tale Of Two Cities
Well, let me put it straight why I named this post ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’ – because I am like a pendulum hanging between Mumbai and Hyderabad. Four months ago, I moved from Delhi to Mumbai. Now I have moved from Mumbai to Hyderabad.
Mumbai

I always had a fascination for Mumbai – I always found it extremely charming! So, when I finally got a chance to live there, I was thrilled. To be honest, initially, I was perturbed by certain things about Mumbai – its traffic and long distances. But, gradually I got pretty much used to it. And once you get used to Mumbai, there is no city like it! That’s why I call it an ‘enchantress’.
Hi-tech city, Hyderabad
Since my family had to move to Hyderabad, it had to be my home town. But, I wanted to live in Mumbai, at least for some time. Four months later when I had to leave Mumbai, my heart was heavy. Although I was happy about moving into a new house in Hyderabad, I wanted to experience more of Mumbai. I had struck a chord with the city of dreams.
Powai Lake, Mumbai
Mumbai wanderings
I spent a fabulous day at South Mumbai – it was one random day, but it turned out to be an awakening for me! Yes, I heard a clear voice from inside of me that I want to live this way – explore places, make photographs, meet new people and gather experiences. Well, I was already aware of what I wanted and to a certain extent, I have achieved that too. But, there are times when you get a clear confirmation that you don’t need to run after things which are not for you. Rather, delve into your dreams without reservations.
Rajabai Clock Tower
One of my recent posts, South Mumbai Wanderings, showcases my ramblings. I started walking from Nariman Point to Church Gate – Rajabai Clock Tower was the first architectural wonder that I spotted followed by Mumbai High court and University of Mumbai. I have always been intrigued by British architecture. I enjoyed capturing the beauty of the Clock Tower from every angle.
More wandering and I discovered National Gallery of Modern Art and David Sassoon Library. I walked a little bit more and I reached Colaba – Mumbai’s eminent commercial causeway, which has many vintage restaurants and cafes.
It was an unusual day – a Parsi lady bumped into me chirpily. Seeing me clicking pictures, she exclaimed, “Good, very good! Keep doing what you are doing. I am with you!” She said many other nice things to encourage me and also nudged me to take her picture. After a boost from a random local, I thought to grab a cup of coffee.
Random Parsi lady
I checked in at café Mondegar at Metro House. It’s a seasoned café with lots of buzz. I happened to sit in a corner, where next to me was sitting the café’s manager with his laptop. When he saw that I was taking pictures with a SLR, he wanted to know if I were a journalist. He just wanted to make sure that if his café is written about, he should know about it. I told him that I was a travel blogger and a photographer. I built a brief, but interesting acquaintance with him.
My wanderings continued till the evening – Colaba to the back lanes of Taj, Marine Drive and finally back home with my tired feet, but a happy heart!
Hyderabad – Let’s see what’s in store for me
I am still not sure whether I want to stay here in Hyderabad or find an opportunity to return to Mumbai. I feel a little nomadic at the moment – I lived in Mumbai for four months, which allowed me to explore it like a local – know its people, food, culture, the feel of the city and subtle nuances, which we fail to discover as a tourist. Even though I could not continue living there due to whatever circumstances, it is still a great achievement as a traveller.
Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad
Since my current city is Hyderabad, I want to make the most of it – live here like a local, explore its hidden gems, absorb its essence and enrich the traveller in me. When I thought about writing this post, I went back to my old trips – pictures of Hyderabad, which speak about my perception about the city.
Charminar, Hyderabad
My initial experience with Hyderabad was not too good. I didn’t find anything exciting here. I didn’t want to revisit it. But, I did because my sister was here in 2010. I came down to Hyderabad to spend a few days with her. It was a beautiful time – monsoon had just knocked, weather had turned blissfully pleasant and I got to see some nice glimpses of the city. I told myself, Hyderabad is not too bad.
Hyderabad does have a character, a heritage and a certain kind of uniqueness. I am keen to explore more of it. I know that Hyderabad and Mumbai, except for somewhat similar weather, are totally different cities. I know that I am not staying in my favourite city anymore. But, I also know that I have an eye for beauty. I have the ability to coax out something interesting out of a particular city.

So, here I am – nomadic and happy!


Have you ever felt stuck between two cities? Do you think I should stick to Hyderabad?