Ahmedabad, You Weird Little Gem (and My Sleep Schedule's Paying the Price)
okay, so. ahmedabad. i didn’t plan to be here. touring with the band, you know? one minute we’re in delhi, the next… well, the next involves a slightly frantic scramble for a connecting flight and a whole lot of chai. i’m your friendly neighborhood touring drummer, by the way. name’s leo. and i’m running on approximately three hours of sleep and a potent mix of adrenaline and cardamom.
it’s… intense. in the best way. like, the colors are just everywhere. the textiles, the buildings, the spices… it’s a full-sensory assault. i spent a good hour just staring at a pile of saris in the *Manek Chowk market. seriously, go. it’s chaotic, it’s loud, it’s overflowing with life. check out the reviews on TripAdvisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297604-d117488-Reviews-Manek_Chowk-Ahmedabad_Gujarat.html. someone told me that if you go late at night, it transforms into a food market. i’m definitely doing that tomorrow (if i can stay awake).
and the food! oh man. i’ve been living on vada pav and dosa and this amazing street food called khakhra. i’m pretty sure my arteries are screaming, but my taste buds are throwing a party. i found this little place near my hotel - it’s not fancy, just a tiny stall with a few plastic chairs - but the food is incredible. i’m not even sure what it was called, but i managed to point and smile a lot. yelp says there are tons of great places nearby, https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=indian+food&find_loc=Ahmedabad%2C+Gujarat%2C+India.
“Don’t trust the auto drivers near the train station. They’ll try to charge you double.”
that was some drunk advice i overheard at a cafe. seemed legit. i’ve been relying on ride-sharing apps, which are surprisingly affordable.
the weather? i just checked and it's hovering around 23.68 degrees celsius. feels like 24.06. humidity’s a bit of a beast at 75%, so be prepared to sweat. i’m trying to stay hydrated, but honestly, i’m mostly just drinking chai. it’s a problem.
if you get bored, Vadodara and Surat are just a short drive away. i might try to squeeze in a day trip if we have time. i’m also really interested in checking out the Calico Museum of Textiles. apparently, it’s amazing. you can find more info on their website: https://www.calicomuseum.com/.
“The old city is a maze. Get lost. You’ll find something amazing.”
that’s what a local warned me about. and he was right. i spent a good hour wandering around the old city, just getting completely turned around. but i stumbled upon this tiny, hidden courtyard with the most beautiful carvings. it was magical.
“Don’t forget to bargain in the markets. It’s expected.”
seriously, bargain hard. i managed to get a gorgeous hand-embroidered shawl for half the original price. felt like a champion.
i’m also trying to find some cool vintage shops. i’m a sucker for a good find. i saw a post on a local forum - https://www.thebetterindia.com/138897/vintage-clothing-stores-ahmedabad-gujarat/ - that mentioned a few places. fingers crossed!
okay, i think i need more coffee. and maybe a nap. but honestly, even sleep-deprived and slightly overwhelmed, i’m loving Ahmedabad*. it’s got this raw, vibrant energy that’s totally infectious. it’s not polished or perfect, but it’s real. and that’s what i’m looking for, you know?
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