Bangalore or Bengaluru as its now known was my destination and work place for 5 days. I'd prefer calling the place Bangalore as it sounds better and more so someone said that it took only 60 years for our politicians to realise that the names were given by Britishers. Before that no one realised that Goddess Mumba devi was being worshipped in Bombay. That is besides the point and so getting on with the trip.
Reach Bangalore on a Sunday. Had a full day to relax and go around. Morning flight woes as the flight was scheduled to depart at 6.00 AM. But thanks to my luck the flight was preponed to 5.50 AM. Security concerns due to the recent terror attacks and intelligence reports that terrorists might strike from the air, had to report to the airport atleast 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. Normally it does not take more than 30 mins from entering the terminal to reaching the boarding gates. Rules are rules and are to be followed.
DAY 1:
Woke up at 3.00 AM and reached the airport in time at 4.00 AM. To my surprise people had to queue up to get the cabin baggage x-rayed. It took almost 25 mins for me to clear this queue itself. What caught my attention was that a passenger was taken to the side and was being questioned regarding the contents of his check-in baggage. As the queue was long I proceeded to the check-in counter which took another 30mins. Then the security check which being the most important of all the checks was done within no time. Thought of taking a short nap before boarding but had sat for not more than 10 mins and they started boarding. Its for our own safety so, another security check after the gates.
At the boarding gate I found the same guy who was being questioned about his check-in baggage. I asked him what was the problem at the x-ray counter. The guy responds "I don't know what to say. I had a cigarette lighter in my bag which they wanted me to remove. Can't carry cigarette lighter in check-in baggages? That is absurd. Cabin baggage is understandable but check-in baggage." The guy was actually right. Why can't a person carry cigarette lighter in check-in bags? They say it is for security reasons. But security against ...? I can think of only 2 possible reasons, 1> Terrorist attack and 2> Chances of the lighter lighting itself up. Well if it is to safeguard from terror attack, wouldn't one first have to take over the plane in order to reach the bag to get the lighter? The second reason is absolutely weird as it was informed that Zippo lighters were allowed. Isn't it a form of racism as Zippo lighters are allowed but other ones are not?
So, discussing these things with the fellow passanger who was coming from the Jamnagar refinery and was on this way to Bangalore I boarded the flight and thought of sleeping all the way to Bangalore. The seats were a bit cramped the leg room just enough for me to squeeze in. I tried to sleep but just couldnot.
Reached Bangalore after 3 hour long flight as it was via Bombay. Typical Bangalore weather to greet. Nice cool and a gentle breeze was soothing enough to take away all the sleep in my eyes. Hopped into the super efficient Volvo buses started by the BMTC which is comfortable and economical as well. They have routes which cover most of the parts of Bangalore and hence is the first choice of most of the passengers. Reached my hotel and killed time the entire day. Being alone is actually so boring even in a city like Bangalore where there is so much to do. Maybe I am wrong but I just can't enjoy alone. I need company to enjoy anything and everything I do. Being a Sunday I had planned to go to the Lalbagh Botanical Garden which is actually a very beautiful place to visit as I've heard. But the thing is even if I'd go there what would I do. Look at beautiful flowers and wonder how beautiful nature is. But I had none to share and enjoy that moment. So I decided to stay back. Maybe some other time.
Reach Bangalore on a Sunday. Had a full day to relax and go around. Morning flight woes as the flight was scheduled to depart at 6.00 AM. But thanks to my luck the flight was preponed to 5.50 AM. Security concerns due to the recent terror attacks and intelligence reports that terrorists might strike from the air, had to report to the airport atleast 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. Normally it does not take more than 30 mins from entering the terminal to reaching the boarding gates. Rules are rules and are to be followed.
DAY 1:
Woke up at 3.00 AM and reached the airport in time at 4.00 AM. To my surprise people had to queue up to get the cabin baggage x-rayed. It took almost 25 mins for me to clear this queue itself. What caught my attention was that a passenger was taken to the side and was being questioned regarding the contents of his check-in baggage. As the queue was long I proceeded to the check-in counter which took another 30mins. Then the security check which being the most important of all the checks was done within no time. Thought of taking a short nap before boarding but had sat for not more than 10 mins and they started boarding. Its for our own safety so, another security check after the gates.
At the boarding gate I found the same guy who was being questioned about his check-in baggage. I asked him what was the problem at the x-ray counter. The guy responds "I don't know what to say. I had a cigarette lighter in my bag which they wanted me to remove. Can't carry cigarette lighter in check-in baggages? That is absurd. Cabin baggage is understandable but check-in baggage." The guy was actually right. Why can't a person carry cigarette lighter in check-in bags? They say it is for security reasons. But security against ...? I can think of only 2 possible reasons, 1> Terrorist attack and 2> Chances of the lighter lighting itself up. Well if it is to safeguard from terror attack, wouldn't one first have to take over the plane in order to reach the bag to get the lighter? The second reason is absolutely weird as it was informed that Zippo lighters were allowed. Isn't it a form of racism as Zippo lighters are allowed but other ones are not?
So, discussing these things with the fellow passanger who was coming from the Jamnagar refinery and was on this way to Bangalore I boarded the flight and thought of sleeping all the way to Bangalore. The seats were a bit cramped the leg room just enough for me to squeeze in. I tried to sleep but just couldnot.
Reached Bangalore after 3 hour long flight as it was via Bombay. Typical Bangalore weather to greet. Nice cool and a gentle breeze was soothing enough to take away all the sleep in my eyes. Hopped into the super efficient Volvo buses started by the BMTC which is comfortable and economical as well. They have routes which cover most of the parts of Bangalore and hence is the first choice of most of the passengers. Reached my hotel and killed time the entire day. Being alone is actually so boring even in a city like Bangalore where there is so much to do. Maybe I am wrong but I just can't enjoy alone. I need company to enjoy anything and everything I do. Being a Sunday I had planned to go to the Lalbagh Botanical Garden which is actually a very beautiful place to visit as I've heard. But the thing is even if I'd go there what would I do. Look at beautiful flowers and wonder how beautiful nature is. But I had none to share and enjoy that moment. So I decided to stay back. Maybe some other time.
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