There is nothing that I hate more that the Bombay heat. Maybe Bollywood numbers and raisins in chocolates cakes. But the Bombay heat seizes the number one spot with its stentorian voice. On raising its ol’ Machiavellian head,it has a way of knowing what makes me tick. On waking up every morning I find myself melting rapidly like a candlestick. Drinking tea or coffee has become an occupational hazard, as it augments the already scorching heat. Sitting in front of a piping hot plate of varan-bhat or a smoldering pizza platter has lost its charms. At times, the fans in the house too can’t stop the calefaction.
The afternoon slot causes the most discomfort and I’m petrified of steeping out at around that time. I’m frequently tempted to put on the a.c. but refrain on account of a gargantuan electricity bill. Of course, Phoenix Mills is an ideal place to retreat since almost every square inch is cloaked in cool air conditioned brilliantness and I can stroll about with a smile since I don’t have to fret about the electricity bills. Movie theatres, restaurants, book shops… Once you get there, stay there!
Traveling by cab is somewhat of a mixed experience. It is quite pleasant as a there’s always a gentle breeze blowing as the car engines purr on. But once you’re stuck in a traffic jam and ensconced in the heat, the world becomes a hopelessly dark and desolate place. However on a brighter note, the beach slackens some of the pungent fumes.
The only thing I can do to keep calm and carry on, is distract myself and keep myself busy. Probably for the next few weeks until the monsoon graces us with its presence.
In terms of heat and temperature, Bombay seems minuscule compared to Delhi. God knows how folks over there get on with their lives.
Yes, one of the major sidekicks that tags along, through those hot and steamy days is sticky IRRITATION!---You wake up with it and suffer its nagging, all day long— maybe a reprieve here and there—
ReplyDeleteThe say there is a reason for seasons—even though we may not understand why Mother Nature can be so harsh and yet beautiful!! Well- I guess it is just setting the stage for a grand entrance for the “barkha rani”—afterall she would be much more appreciated now! (what a marketing strategy!!)
It also now gives you a chance to soak your thirsty palette with cold soups like gazpacho and treat yourself to delicous icercream, get creative with cold coffee, salads and so on. You don’t have to worry about the calories, since you melt it all off!! By the way, have you ever tried eating left over cold pizza? It is a very popular snack here, especially amongst college kids—(‘Necessity is the mother of invention’).
So spend your afternoons, slowing down a little,relaxing with a good book, a soft, shady, salty breeze(U may have to search for it) and a soothing drink. Let your imagination harvest you to appetizing, cool, comfortable, wonderful places.
Somehow knowing that there are others suffering more than you, does take some of the heat off—so to speak, doesn’t it!
I think it was Jane Austen who had said something about hot weather keeping U in a continual state of inelegance--- I guess we need that too for our kaleidoscope. Sigh!!!