Traffic and Blackout
Traffic in India is something to behold. Our office in Pune is situated on a busy main road. At all times of the day, a relentless background noise of honking is the norm. In North America, honking is typically a signal of warning or distress. Over here, honking is merely a way to announce your presense. Cars, rickshaws, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and the occasional cows all share the barely paved roads at the same time and the right of way is given to the most aggressive. Crossing the street is a true test of courage and requires a keen sense of speed estimate. To the untrained eyes, the street is never clear enough in both directions for safe crossing. However, after some practise, I soon learn to take advantage of the different speed of the vehicles to zigzag my way across the street.
My daily walk between the hotel and the office is mostly uneventful but the different signs and stores along the route appeals to my sense of humour tremendously. For example, everyday, I would walk pass the following places which still give me the giggles every time.
I wonder exactly what do people do at a "Relapse Lounge"?
This is a sign outside of a dental office. That tooth looks serene and malicious at the same time.
Good to know….just in case I ever get the urge to cleanse after work.
Back home, a power failure is always met with much consternation. Here in Pune, it’s a way of life. I mentioned briefly before that we have scheduled blackouts and most places are equipped with backup power generators. This evening, I originally planned to have dinner with SS and LM and do my laundry at their flat. However, by the time I got out of the office, the streets were darker than usual and that was when I realized that there was a power failure. I was glad to have my flashlight with me so I made my way back to the hotel and dropped off my laptop and went over to SS’s place. I found out from LM that this power failure was actually unexpected (caused by some work done around the city, it appeared). Of course, there would be no laundry tonight.
We decided to meet up with TG and his wife for dinner at The Great Punjab, one of the best (not to mention very fancy) Punjabi restaurant in Pune just across the street. The food was indeed very delicious. We had paneer tikka (my favourite), grilled stuffed mushrooms, mustard green in cream sauce, and another paneer dish in an orange creamy sauce. Of course, all of these were washed down with naan, roti, and beer.
After dinner, on the recommendation of TG and his wife, we walked over to Merlot for their chocolate souffle. Merlot is a very contemporary restaurant serving continental cuisine in setting that can rival any fine dining restaurant in more cosmopolitan cities. I entered the gate to find a courtyard with a single statue of elephant (I’m not up to my knowledge on Hindu gods). Illuminated by moonlight, there stood a 2 story building of dark tinted glass with the maitre d’ guarding the tall wooden door to the restaurant. Once inside, I was impressed by the minimalist and stylish interior design. We were seated in the outdoor area where cushioned seats and alcoves where carved from the granite low wall studded with recessed candles. From where we sat, I could see the inside of the restaurant from its floor to ceiling glass wall. There was a bar on one side of the wall and the inside is divided into a lounge and dining area. It’s difficult to describe but needless to say, Merlot is one of the best-looking fine dining restaurant I’ve ever been to (and I’ve been to many around the globe). The souffle itself was nothing to write home about. It was moderately tall but the inside was entirely molten. The souffle actually left an oily film coating my mouth which I found rather unpleasant. The chocolate flavour was lacking as well. Perhaps I will give this restaurant a try one of these days. Apparently, a celebrity chef acts as a consultant for this place. I’m curious to find out more.
