Dust & Distortion: Lost in the Echoes of Pune
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm chai. 1253367… that’s the number of times i’ve nearly tripped over a stray goat on this trip. 1356688186… honestly, i have no idea what that is, but it feels important. like a secret code to unlocking the soul of Pune.
seriously, this place. it’s… intense. the air hangs thick, like a damp wool blanket, and the sun just blazes. the humidity is clinging to everything - my camera, my hair, my sanity. it’s 28.61 degrees, feels like 32.4, temp min 28.61, temp max 28.61, pressure 1010, humidity 73, sea level 1010, grnd level 1011. yeah, that’s the official weather report. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I’ve been wandering around the old city, mostly just getting lost. it’s a beautiful mess, all crumbling walls and vibrant markets overflowing with spices and… well, everything. i stumbled into this tiny little place selling bhakarwadi - seriously, the best thing i’ve eaten in weeks. someone told me that the old city bakeries are the real deal, but you gotta know the right guy. i’m still working on that part.
Spent the morning chasing light in Shaniwar Wada. it’s massive, you know? like, genuinely imposing. the whole place feels… heavy. i was trying to get some shots of the intricate carvings, but the crowds were insane. it’s a popular spot, obviously. i overheard a group of college students arguing about the Peshwa dynasty - something about a lost treasure and a disgruntled general. wild.
Speaking of crowds, the street food scene is off the charts. i’m talking about everything from pani puri to misal pav. i’m pretty sure i’ve consumed my weight in carbs this week, but honestly, who cares? I heard that the street vendor near the Fergusson College is a legend - apparently, he’s been making pav bhaji for 60 years. i need to find him.
My gear list is a disaster, as usual. camera, obviously. lenses - a 35mm for street shots and a 50mm for portraits. a cheap tripod (it wobbles like a newborn giraffe). and a notebook. always a notebook. i also brought way too many socks. seriously, i could probably start a sock business.
Pro-tip: Don’t wear white. Seriously. Pune is a dust storm waiting to happen. Also, learn a few basic Hindi phrases. it’ll go a long way.
I spent the afternoon exploring the Dagdi Charai market. it’s a chaotic, glorious explosion of textiles, jewelry, and… well, everything you can imagine. i managed to haggle for a beautiful vintage shawl - it’s a bit moth-eaten, but i love it. i’m pretty sure the vendor was laughing at me the whole time, but hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
If you get bored, Mumbai is just a short drive away, but honestly, Pune has a weird, magnetic pull. it’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely for me. right now, i’m heading to a rooftop cafe to watch the sunset over the city. it’s going to be epic.
I’m seriously considering getting a tattoo here. maybe a tiny goat. or a spice. or just a random symbol that means something to me. i don’t know. i’m feeling impulsive.
Check out this map:
And if you’re looking for a good place to eat, Yelp has some decent reviews: https://www.yelp.com/search?keyword=food&location=Pune%2C+Maharashtra%2C+India
Also, TripAdvisor is your friend: https://www.tripadvisor.com/
Finally, a local board with some interesting events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PuneEvents/
Okay, I’m off to find more chai. and maybe another goat. bye!
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