PRIPPIE™ TRAVELER: BANGALORE, INDIA

 

 Bangalore, India. A respite. An oasis. A city of dreams.




A temple in the streets of Bangalore
Photo Credit: Tareq Alani

 

Okay, maybe it’s not exactly that. But to my friends and me, the city felt that way, as we embarked on a much-needed vacation away from school. A week of eating great food, hanging out at some awesome bars and clubs, and spending most of our money, was topped off by the adventure of our final night.

The evening started with dinner at the Hard Rock Café, a special occasion for two reasons:

1) It was voted the best Hard Rock franchise in 2010

2) Cheeseburgers!

Bangalore at night
Photo Credit: Tareq Alani

A cheeseburger may not sound that interesting, but if you’ve ever been to India, you know they are a rarity. After the highly anticipated meal, our bellies were full and it was time hit the city. Following visits to a few clubs (which we weren’t feeling) Meg, Paulina, and I took a quick McDonalds pit stop. It was here we decided to search for a private pool party we learned about the night before. The invitation came from some questionable yet intriguing Brazilian boys, a clue we should have recognized. With only the hotel name in hand, we asked a security guard how to get there. His response: “a left then a right. It’s only a five minute walk.” Unfortunately we took his direction. Twenty minutes of speed walking and frustration later, we reached the hotel and pool party. It was 10:40 pm. This may sound early, but perhaps the worst thing about Bangalore is that all clubs and parties have to close by 11:30 pm.

Guest list? Cover? No worries. Paulina and Meg used their charm to get us in for free. The party atmosphere was complete with a pool, dance floor, great music, a mix of foreigners and locals, and people jumping fully clothed into the water. As we mingled with partygoers, we each found someone to chat with. Meg spoke with the aforementioned Brazilians. Paulina, tired of always having to speak English, was excited to converse in Polish and Italian (her first and second languages). We were enjoying ourselves, but with the 11:30 pm deadline approaching we were determined to keep the party going. I befriended the host, who invited us to an after party. From here, things got a bit strange.


Temporarily separated from Meg, Paulina and I found ourselves hanging with our random new host friend. His less than exciting house party more resembled an art opening’s wine and cheese reception on a budget. The music was barely audible and guests sat around a table, simply staring with little conversation. When a group of individuals appeared at the door, my hopes for the party rose. But they slowly declined as I watched the house owner turn them away. Meg’s face mysteriously appeared at the door. I thought she had gone home and I was glad to see her here. We agreed that this wasn’t our scene and decided to forfeit the night. Luck was on our side, we left just in time. As soon as we turned the corner from the house, the Indian police showed up to shut things down. The party was over, for now.  

A half an hour later, there I was. In my room, awake, still excited for what I thought was going to be a long and exciting night. I pondered the culture I had just experienced and I realized something. The night and the gathering were much different and less crazy than I expected. Bangalore, however, proved its reputation as India’s party capital and most cosmopolitan city.

-Tareq Alani, Guest Writer

Roaming the streets of Bangalore
Photo Credit: Tareq Alani