Into The Wild: September 2013

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep."

-Robert Frost

11th Sept. 2013 : Forensic Medicine viva ends and so does the 2nd Professional MBBS exam.

I have a long journey ahead and a flight to catch at 21:20 hours to Pune.

This trip had been pending for a few years now. Finally I did make it. This was it, my first trip with friends.

The Viva gets over and I rush back to Hostel. Pack stuff up and at around 430 pm, I leave for the airport.

At 920 pm, my flight Air India departs to Kolkata. Now begins the most boring part of my journey, the 13 hour stay over at the airport. Coincidental, but one of my friends had 9 hours stay at the same airport so we could just kill time somehow.

12 Sept. 2013 : Indigo flight to Pune via Ahmedabad. At around 340 pm, I finally land in Pune.

Much to my surprise, the airport is very similar to Srinagar airport, and I felt at home from first.

All the formalities done and dusted, I walk out to see my friend standing at the arrivals section. We get into the taxi and leave. On the way we talk about how we finally worked out this plan after years and what was in store for us in the coming few days. I look around and the city is not that crowded. It's actually better than most of the cities in India. Few minutes gone and it starts pouring down heavily. Welcome to Pune, my friend tells me.

We reach Hinjewadi, and it looks like an IT Hub. Away from the main city, it has a peaceful tinge and majority of the crowd is of students. For tonight, I would be staying at the Lemon Tree hotel.

Tired, I just go to sleep for a few hours. Wake up, call my friend and we catch up on dinner again at a nearby restaurant.

13th Sept. 2013 :I go visit the campus of SCMHRD. It looks huge and pretty decent. I cannot deduce much being a medical student, but it looks sufficient for MBA students.

We go to the city and do some street shopping. Had some 'Bun-Chai' at a local restaurant there. Its considered to be the local delight.

Lunch was at Tamanna restaurant and dinner was at a restaurant called Copacabana.

14th Sept. 2013 : Down with viral fever, lunch at the hotel. Dinner at Mezze9.

15th Sept 2013 : Still down with fever, but gather strength and leave for the city early morning. Met more friends at Phoenix Mall. Such a huge mall and beautiful architecture. Lunch there with friends at Incognito. Friend purchases Nike Shoes. I am tempted.

Leave for Amanora Town Centre. Another beautiful place. Main attractions are stores, Manchester United Bar (hate that shit) and these flash mobs.

Friends gift me Park Avenue Aviators. Love them.

Go to FC Road and buy myself the new Nike Hypervenoms. Love em. I told you I was tempted. Dinner at a locally renowned restaurant, Shiv Sagar. Amazing. Had to wait for nearly 30 mins to get a seat. Famous Pav Bhajis!

Back at around 1130pm. Tired.

16th Sept. 2013 : Last day. Early morning lunch at Tamanna. Then off to watch a movie at E Square Mall. Back and dinner with close friends at Mezze9 again.

17th Sept. 2013 : Leave for Mumbai at 1230pm. Bid adieu to friends.

On the way, collect some Chikki for family.

Overall, loved the people in Pune. They made it special. I usually don't like places, but this is in the list of LIKES.

Hopefully will join them for few more trips.

Arrive in Muscat at 930 pm local time.

Home away from home! Miss you guys :(