We are now in Pune and but natural for me to start a Pune Diary to chronicle our experiences here. We came to Pune via the Mumbai-Pune expressway by a mini bus (all occupied by us) since we had luggage, etc. The expressway drive was very beautiful since its Monsoon. So much greenery all around. It seemed like we are travelling in some part of Tennessee. Very scenic. Along the way we saw some waterfalls from a distance and some monkeys sitting on side of the expressway.
Pune itself seems more green as compared to Mumbai. After coming here there were a number of challenges waiting for us since we had to start from scratch for most of the things (gas, appliances, maid, home, etc, etc). Some of those challenges have been conquered but many still remain.
While searching for microwaves here I realized that none of them have the number pad that we are so used to in the US. Instead they have 2 buttons (1 min, 10 seconds) that you use to set the time. Microwaves are of course multipurpose here with microwave + oven + grill together. And they are catered to indian cuisine. So in the menu shortlist you can find all kind of dishes including punjabi sabjis and gajar ka halwa.
Dimple found it amusing that we have to give an interview in the housing society that we are going to rent in. The interview went fine (just 2-3 casual questions) and we got permission to move into the rental place.
The traffic in Pune does not seem bad and Dimple pointed out that we did not encounter many signals while travelling here.
The weather is very nice right now and no need for fan. Almost bay area like weather. Rains are also not as heavy as in Mumbai (yet). Its refreshing to look at the greenery around.
More updates on Pune in coming months from this newly converted Puneri Manus. 🙂
There are lots of places/times in India, we too experience the US style environment.
Nice to hear such a positive note.
BTW, you do get microwaves with number key pads. May be have a look at some other shops too.
The apt complex in Pune requires us to separate garbage into wet garbage (kitchen related and biodegradable) and dry garbage. The garbage collectors come with 2 bins. The wet garbage gets processed by the apt complex and turned into biofuel I think. Have not seen this in Mumbai.
prashant Pictures Please 🙂
Yes Neelam lot of pictures from our camera are still to be uploaded. May have to wait for 10 more days before you see anything.
Overall quite happy with the service level and friendliness while buying different things in Pune. Once you place the order for something they deliver it fast and the technician also comes by pretty fast to explain you things. I found Pune to be less aggressive than Mumbai. The pace of life is more relaxed as compared to Mumbai. No one has to rush to catch any “train” of course. 🙂
One common sight in Pune is that of females wearing their chunni on the head and face to avoid the dust and smog – like a dacoit. So most of the face is covered except the eyes.
Yeah the girls wearing chunni is very common outside of Mumbai where females are riding motorcycles as their basic means of transport. Also helps them keep of the heat wave as the weather is very dry as compared to Mumbai
Come summer and u will see the same girls with long white gloves on their hands too – avoiding getting sun tanned 🙂
After spending 3 days in Mumbai during Rakhi, I like Pune Climate better than Mumbai. In Mumbai we felt all sticky due to the humidity. Pune is very pleasant.
Girls are also wearing appron like white shirt with light small pattern. Scarf to cover face & apron like shirt is worn by scooter riders as well on bus, walking and other modes.