Indifferent about Bangalore

Walking around in Bangalore is much different than Delhi.  I have not liked the city much.  There is so much crammed into one area and very busy.  We spend so much time in traffic that it drives you crazy.  Women cannot walk alone.  There must be at least one male in our group if you want to venture out.  In addition, women are not allowed to be out after 8pm.  I went for a walk with one other female and three males around the neighborhood one afternoon.. As an experiment I walked about a ½ block ahead of the group and they observed the surroundings as I walked through the neighborhood.. I was stared at!  I am sure my skin color and my gender was to blame.. I could feel the stares and was very aware.. every once in awhile I would double check over my shoulder that my group was still there.  The small shop owners are constantly approaching you to stop at their shop.. then they want to bargain so you will buy.. The people in India have been very gracious, but I am ready for some comforts of home.

The most uncomfortable thing since I have been in Bangalore is the fact that I am confined to either the group or the hotel.  We have had more free time here but it seems harder to get around.  There is no convenience store to buy a water or a soda.. besides they do not believe in refrigerators.. everything is served warm.. water, pop, even beer!  Gotta love the warm Kingfisher!

Here during one of our walks, we approach some cows just hanging out.  (There are cows everywhere!)  Matt decides to feed it some peanuts we had.. not sure what the cow thought of the peanuts because he moved his head like the Indian head nod.

The smells in Bangalore are a little better than Delhi.. while walking you would come across a corner when all of a sudden there would be a strong urine order.  We can only figure that is the bathroom area. The people in Bangalore have a different dialect and for me I have found it harder to communicate. 

In this city you will see many signs like this.

I asked a local Indian why.. he said that was government property. 

The Muslim community is much more noticeable here.  A few group members ended up in a part of town that they said was very uncomfortable with mean-like stares.. after speaking with our new tour guide, Anil, he said they were in a part of town that is very unsafe.  There is tension between the Muslims and the Hindus.. and the Muslims hate Americans. 

 

The picture below is quite unique.. Hindus hang these.  I have seen them on the front of vehicles, in windows and hanging from doorways.  They are a string of peppers and a lime.  The Hindus hang then to ward off evil and change them every Saturday.