Hyderabad Blues

It was with a little apprehension mixed with a healthy dose of excitement, that I decided to move to Hyderabad. The fact it was a good (and probably the only) carrer opportunity had a role to play. But at that point, I think I just wanted to get the hell away from delhi and the past that kept haunting me there.

Still, for a North Indian guy to move to anywhere in South India, is a bit of a cultural shock. Im sure it is the same vice versa, but I do believe our southern brethren and their sistrens are much more malleable when it comes to adjusting socially. Personally I think its their more easy going nature which helps (please note, S Sreesnath is excluded from this category. His crazy jigs on the cricket field would gain him entry to the most brash of punjabi clans anyday). We northerners are too brash and boisterous for our own good, not that its bad or anything, but mebbe we need to tone it down a little

So I decide to up and move to Hyd, with much encouragement from my family. The fact that two of my best friends were also moving with me (to work for the same company) laid any apprehensions I had to rest. The first few days were spent trying to remember the names of places (all the palli's and the pet's of hyd), discovering the cuisine, crashing through the language barrier and discovering that the words "quickly" and "immediately" were not recognized in Hyd.

The new job, hunting for a place to stay and generally adjusting to the place ate up a few months before I had time to "see" Hyd. I think I started enjoying the place after I made some new friends, which probably started at the first HBM (Hyd Bloggers meet). Infact, the whole process of blogging started since I had become totally anti-social at that time and wanted to keep people at an arm's length.

The rest, as they say, was party time. Now when I think about it, I miss those days so much. Infact, this post was prompted by a get together I had my place last weekend. After the people had left (at 2 AM!!!!), I started thinking, if it were Hyd, this is the time someone would be going out to fetch more booze and biryani.

I think I enjoyed my stay in Hyd more than I thought. Some of the best times I had were when I was there. Funny, I cant think of any major trips or events that I undertook, but mebbe its the fact that normal days/weekends were so much fun that I never needed to. I don't think I have that city to thank for this, as much as the people who made it worthwhile. I wont mention anybody here, you know who you are (i.e., if you ever read this).

- I miss the all night jam sessions and hanging outside lifestyle or the millions of coffee shops.
- I miss the midnight biryanis and the amazing chicken 65 (its the best food on the planet. I even found place in Atlanta which makes a decent C65)
- I miss the 'intellectual' conversations with my buddies, which often ended in drinking/laughter binges
- I miss the ladies of the group, some of whom put us men to shame when it came to drinking
- I miss rocking at Easy Rider or OFD
- I miss the Irani chai at 5 AM
- I miss the mirchi bajji and chinese food on the bandi (or is it bundy)
- I miss trips to Whisper Valley, drinking and seeing the city lights
- I miss the call on Friday evening asking what the plan for the weekend was, even though we all knew we were gonna get piss drunk, the only question was ... where?

Well, I dunno if im ever gonna be back in Hyd, or if it will even be the same if I do go back. But the great time I had in this fabulous place, and the friendships I carry with me, I will forever be thankful for