Chandigarh Chronicles: Dust, Dosa, and a Whole Lotta Honking
okay, so. chandigarh. i didn’t really plan to come here, you know? touring with the band - we’re doing a weird circuit of northern india right now - and our van decided to stage a dramatic breakdown just outside. mechanic said it’d be a few days. so, here i am. and honestly? it’s… something.
I just checked and the air feels like a warm hug that’s slightly too clingy. thirty-six point five, they say. feels like thirty-three. humidity’s low, which is a win, I guess. pressure’s all over the place, but who cares, right? i’m just trying to find decent chai.
I’ve been wandering around *Sector 17 mostly. it’s… organized chaos. like, everything’s planned out in these sectors, which is kinda cool, but then you throw in the scooters, the cows, the general hustle, and it’s a beautiful mess. i stumbled into this amazing dosa place - seriously, the best i’ve had in ages. it’s called ‘Sagar Ratna’ - check it out if you’re ever here. TripAdvisor Link - though, honestly, just follow your nose.
“Don’t eat the street food after dark. Seriously. Just… don’t.”
That’s drunk advice i got from some guy at a tea stall. he seemed pretty adamant about it. i’m gonna ignore him, obviously. (probably.)
I’m staying in this little guesthouse near the Rock Garden. it’s… rustic. let’s go with rustic. the owner, a lovely woman named Priya, keeps offering me lassi. it’s sweet, it’s creamy, it’s… a lot. if you get bored, Shimla and Kasauli are just a short drive away, apparently. Priya says they’re “much cooler” - temperature-wise, i assume.
I’ve been trying to sketch a bit, but the light is tricky. everything’s bathed in this hazy, dusty glow. it’s actually kind of beautiful, in a gritty, urban way. i’m thinking of doing a series of paintings inspired by the chaos. maybe. if i can find some decent art supplies. Local Art Supply Store Yelp Link
Someone told me that the Sukhna Lake is a must-see. apparently, it’s really peaceful in the mornings. i might check it out tomorrow. i’m also trying to find a decent place to get my drums repaired. touring life, you know? constant wear and tear. Drum Repair Shop Forum Link
I overheard a couple arguing about whether Elante Mall* is “authentic” or not. apparently, it’s a bit of a tourist trap. i haven’t been yet, but i’m not sure i need to. there’s plenty of real life happening right here on the streets.
Honestly, it’s a sensory overload. the honking, the smells, the colors… it’s intense. but it’s also… invigorating. i’m definitely not bored. and the chai is pretty good. i’m also trying to learn some basic hindi phrases. “Namaste” and “Shukriya” are my go-to’s so far. i’m sure i’m butchering the pronunciation, but people seem to appreciate the effort.
I’m going to wander around some more, see what i can find. maybe i’ll stumble upon another amazing dosa place. or maybe i’ll just get lost. either way, it’ll be an adventure. check back later, maybe. if i can find wifi.
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