Zooming in mumbai style ----my car in Mumbai used ZEN from Maruti true value
Yes I bought a car in Mumbai two weeks back . So what ? So many people buy cars and that too new cars . Whats great about it or whats there to write about it . Actually there is ………..inspite of one of my girl cousin from Dubai telling me “ Auks it’s a stupid maruti “
So here it goes . Its two years in Mumbai for me and I never needed a car in Mumbai mainly because the taxi and auto service is too good . But recently the driver bug in me told me once in a while why don’t you drive don’t always sleep in the backseat . So I started thinking about buying a car just for the thrill of it . Maruti 800 or BMW 7 series .
Not only the budget but there were other factors to consider . In our native place we have huge impressive spoons to serve biriyani . Now think about someone trying to eat in a small bowl using that huge impressive spoon . Its impressive but not at all convenient . In a city where its almost a world record for number of cars per kilometer and where nobody gets impressed by a BMW (unlike kerala ) the choice is a small car .
Maruti 800 and alto was out from the race ( underpowered for me ) . Then there were the new age cars i10 and a star . Yes they were good choices . But then I thought why don’t buy a used car from maruti itself . They give a 1 year warranty and do a 120 point check on the car . All this for less than half the price of a new car . I had heard about zen and always thought what is great about this car which looks similar to a maruti 800 .
It was a shock to say the least . In my home at Trivandrum I have a maruti 800 on whose accelerator I have to stand to get it zooming . But this ZEN just by mild depression of the accelerator pedal flies . I have driven ford , accent, verna , santro and all but except for verna this was the best in 0-60 kmph performance . I think the almost 1000 cc engine and the high power to weight ratio are responsible for this . And with 60 bhp power to a weight of just 750 kgs its quite powerful . Even with the ac on pulling power is pretty good but with ac off this is a racing machine . The gearshift is extremely smooth and servo assisted brakes (no ABS however –front discs and rear drums ) are quite good .
Ok ---so this stingy fellow spent below 2 lac and bought a small racing car . Now where in this horrible traffic is he zooming . Worli –bandra sealink which is over the Arabian sea , western express high way , palm beach road are “the places “ where traffic is much less and also the regular roads in offpeak hours . Don’t know if its too less or more 420 kms in 5 days .
Before I finish some peculiar things about Mumbai traffic . Here at “some” red lights vehicles start moving and at green lights they stop. This happens because anticipating green light vehicles start moving towards end of red light itself . Sometimes this anticipatory movement becomes quite early so that you can see lot of cars “jumping the red light “ . Ok then what about vehicles stopping at green light . Simple ………..when the cars at the intersection are all jumping the red light if you are at the otherside do you dare to move even if its green light . This doesn’t always happen but ive seen it many times .
In kerala my native place even if by accident if a car grazes another car the parties will spend at least an hour fighting to prove who is at fault ( who discovered the word “accident “ . ----its always purposeful ) . In Mumbai unless someone gets injured hardly anyone fights over the dents which they produce on each other . Not only because they are busy but they are more sensible that at this much traffic a few dents are inevitable .
so next time any one gets stranded in mumbai remember my good old zen and call .............(at ur risk :))
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Salsa at Max E Café, Munich
One of the things i wanted to do in Germany was to dance salsa there .In munich , on day two I asked the german receptionist girl about the two salsa places which I shortlisted from the internet . The first one was at Kultfabrik and second one was at Max Café ,near university . she marked both places on the map which I got free from the hostel and explained me in detail how to get there . Again I am impressed at the german receptionists in general . In a very busy youth hostel it is not their duty to give an indepth explanation of random places and that too with lot of smiles .
Ok ….off to “Kultfabrik “ . This place was an old factory which got bombed during world war two . So what did they do ---the whole area was converted into a nightclub district . I reached there around 2 pm after a 20 mt subway ride . Walked a kilometer from the station and reached a place the size of a football field with some large buildings which looked like shopping malls . There were just 3 people at the gate and otherwise empty . It was queer to see a 100 clubs closed in daytime with no one around . They told me its open after 8 pm . I went back to the hostel after having some coffee and munich sausages .
To all potential travelers to any unknown place I suggest such “scout” views if you get the time . just like visiting the exam centre the day before to get a feel of the place this scout visit will give you an idea of the place before you make a proper visit . “kultfabrik “ in daylight made me realize two things . The sheer desolate look and the distance from the station made me realize though munich is a safe city I should not test the limits . At 1 am at night I will be walking for 1 km in a street with no one around and if I get mugged I have only myself to blame . Im crazy about salsa but not this crazyJ
Regarding german culture Kultfabrik made me realize how important it is the club culture in germany . Mumbai is famous for its nightlife but our bandra and juhu is nowhere near kulfabrik in size .
Kulfabrik is out of my list . Will I do salsa in munich ???? Yes I will . It was a challenge . Again I saw my confidante, the counselor the german receptionist ----I ordered a coffee too at the reception ---I didn’t want to get free advice .I told her Kulfabrik was a little desolate(didn’t tell her that I was plain scared to go there at night ) and I wanted a place which is closer to the hostel . She endorsed the Max café . She didn’t know the exact place (she was not a salsa dancer ) but the area near university she told me is an excellent safe place with lot of students . She told me if you didn’t like that club there was always a lot of choice available . (Looks like she does a lot of clubbing ---should I ask her out? J definitely in the next visit )
Again a subway ride this time no scout visit . I reached the place around 8 pm. . The place was beautiful near the university . Old buildings which were at least a hundred years old and lot of students from different countries . I didn’t see any Indians though there were Chinese and blacks . Walking ….. I reached the street and started counting the buildings…..Max café was supposed to be building number 34 . All buildings are neatly numbered ---no confusion ---that’s germany . A nice café , looks more like a 3 star hotel , max café looked classy . A large reception area with many tables around opens into a hallway which opens into a large hall with a DJ place and bar which in turn opens into an open air dining area . All lit by chandeliars and beautiful interior décor in Victorian sorry german style .
No sign of salsa anywhere . Then through a half open door I saw a lady in her 30s , by her look a Latina ,teaching around 8 couples probably from germany . And the familiar 123 ,567 ----salsa beats . Steps looked familiar as I had finished basic salsa training in Mumbai . But there were few differences ---our latina teacher sensuous as ever was extremely confidant in her teaching and still always smiling and cracking jokes . My first teacher in Mumbai was not . The crowd ,mostly german couples, were good students trying to learn the moves . Salsa dancing can be sensuous , flirty , beautiful ,fun ……. Here in germany it was fun ---- couples were all smiling , but quite serious in learning . As I was staring (joking I stopped my stares the moment I landed in Nurnberg airport ) the teacher came to me. I asked her about the salsa night . She told me there would be salsa nite at 9 30 after a small workshop . She invited me to watch the class which is ongoing and join the salsa nite later at night . I sat and watched her class .till 930
. A difference I observed at salsa classes in germany is there is no exchange of partners so if your partner is a bad dancer you are stuck just like a bad marriage . In Mumbai you need not take a partner to salsa class .On go there you get partner for dancing .So both Mumbai and munich has its own flavour of salsa dancing . Of course for salsa nites anywhere in the world no need to take a partner from home .
. 09:00 pm Max Café ---Munich Germany ………the students most of them germans are gone .The dance floor is almost empty . Our Latina teacher shall I call her Jennifer lopez J is at the DJ counter . By 9 :30 people are trickling in-- an entire new set of people . Some students some of them Chinese , one or two black students , some germans and at least 10 or more latin origin people . And I representing my country . . Workshop started . But there is a small problem . The sex ratio is something like 15:14 . And who is the unlucky one …any guesses ---me .What happened was --- New place , new instructor I was so much distracted that I missed out on catching the partner in the rush . For 1 minute I danced by myself .
Then , from somewhere a latin girl landed .I got ready to ask her hand in dancing salsa style. I looked around . 10 metres away a huge latin guy was watching us . Should I ask her to dance with me ?? (and get bashed up after I get out at 12 midnite ) . Seeing my hesitation the latin guy gestured . hey he is gesturing me to ask her to dance J . Green signal ----there I go . In salsa style showed the hand to the latin girl . She was happy to get a partner . We danced for sometime and I asked her something in English and she smiled and answered me back ---in Spanish /Portuguese . Great J . I thanked her in English after the dance and she ? thanked me (in Spanish/Portuguese of course ) . On a serious note dance ,music ….unites people inspite of racial ,cultural differences . I wish all the warring religious , racial biased people learnt salsa .
After the workshop the mood changed on the dance floor . How do you describe an avalanche or volcanic eruption in words? . I cannot but will try . DJ was mixing the finest latin tunes ---salsa, cha cha , samba , bachata . Salsa was cool with all the spinning turns , dips . Latinas on the dance floor were dancing like they were on fire . And our big bad latin guy was on the floor leading and dancing quite well considering his size. The latin girls were doing the intricate steps in perfect rhythm but one key difference from Mumbai salsa scene . Here there was the perfect dance with all the complicated moves with the added passion . Like spicy masala to chicken curry it made the whole dance music a surreal experience .
Then there were many blacks dancing with german girls , a young Chinese guy dancing with his recent german lover ( how did I know they were lovers ?? any guesses love has no race or religion ) . I enjoyed the dance and more than that this sight of many different nationalities dancing to the music . AND THIS IS THE CITY WHERE THE NAZIS FIRST STARTED THEIR PARTY ACTIVITIES which ended in killing of ? millions of jews . Was I impressed more with the sensuality of my favourite dance or this interracial unity ? I don’t know .
Lastly I saw an old man maybe 65+ walking around the dance floor . He was having a peculiar gait some orthopaedic problem sure and was smiling intermittently . I thought what this guy is doing here. Not because of his age because then I can also be thrown out J but because of his orthopaedic problem . 5 minutes later I looked again and there he was in the centre of dance floor dancing with a latin girl . Then I looked at him again ; yes his salsa is not fast enough but acceptable . Then I looked at his features . I remembered , I have seen pictures of people like him in travel journals ---------Cuban J . And who am I to say he should be out from the dance floor ---its his forefathers that discovered this fantastic dance form SALSA -----and my role is only to admire and Dance -------SALSA in munich or mumbai or anywhere .
p.s ---comments welcome .
One of the things i wanted to do in Germany was to dance salsa there .In munich , on day two I asked the german receptionist girl about the two salsa places which I shortlisted from the internet . The first one was at Kultfabrik and second one was at Max Café ,near university . she marked both places on the map which I got free from the hostel and explained me in detail how to get there . Again I am impressed at the german receptionists in general . In a very busy youth hostel it is not their duty to give an indepth explanation of random places and that too with lot of smiles .
Ok ….off to “Kultfabrik “ . This place was an old factory which got bombed during world war two . So what did they do ---the whole area was converted into a nightclub district . I reached there around 2 pm after a 20 mt subway ride . Walked a kilometer from the station and reached a place the size of a football field with some large buildings which looked like shopping malls . There were just 3 people at the gate and otherwise empty . It was queer to see a 100 clubs closed in daytime with no one around . They told me its open after 8 pm . I went back to the hostel after having some coffee and munich sausages .
To all potential travelers to any unknown place I suggest such “scout” views if you get the time . just like visiting the exam centre the day before to get a feel of the place this scout visit will give you an idea of the place before you make a proper visit . “kultfabrik “ in daylight made me realize two things . The sheer desolate look and the distance from the station made me realize though munich is a safe city I should not test the limits . At 1 am at night I will be walking for 1 km in a street with no one around and if I get mugged I have only myself to blame . Im crazy about salsa but not this crazyJ
Regarding german culture Kultfabrik made me realize how important it is the club culture in germany . Mumbai is famous for its nightlife but our bandra and juhu is nowhere near kulfabrik in size .
Kulfabrik is out of my list . Will I do salsa in munich ???? Yes I will . It was a challenge . Again I saw my confidante, the counselor the german receptionist ----I ordered a coffee too at the reception ---I didn’t want to get free advice .I told her Kulfabrik was a little desolate(didn’t tell her that I was plain scared to go there at night ) and I wanted a place which is closer to the hostel . She endorsed the Max café . She didn’t know the exact place (she was not a salsa dancer ) but the area near university she told me is an excellent safe place with lot of students . She told me if you didn’t like that club there was always a lot of choice available . (Looks like she does a lot of clubbing ---should I ask her out? J definitely in the next visit )
Again a subway ride this time no scout visit . I reached the place around 8 pm. . The place was beautiful near the university . Old buildings which were at least a hundred years old and lot of students from different countries . I didn’t see any Indians though there were Chinese and blacks . Walking ….. I reached the street and started counting the buildings…..Max café was supposed to be building number 34 . All buildings are neatly numbered ---no confusion ---that’s germany . A nice café , looks more like a 3 star hotel , max café looked classy . A large reception area with many tables around opens into a hallway which opens into a large hall with a DJ place and bar which in turn opens into an open air dining area . All lit by chandeliars and beautiful interior décor in Victorian sorry german style .
No sign of salsa anywhere . Then through a half open door I saw a lady in her 30s , by her look a Latina ,teaching around 8 couples probably from germany . And the familiar 123 ,567 ----salsa beats . Steps looked familiar as I had finished basic salsa training in Mumbai . But there were few differences ---our latina teacher sensuous as ever was extremely confidant in her teaching and still always smiling and cracking jokes . My first teacher in Mumbai was not . The crowd ,mostly german couples, were good students trying to learn the moves . Salsa dancing can be sensuous , flirty , beautiful ,fun ……. Here in germany it was fun ---- couples were all smiling , but quite serious in learning . As I was staring (joking I stopped my stares the moment I landed in Nurnberg airport ) the teacher came to me. I asked her about the salsa night . She told me there would be salsa nite at 9 30 after a small workshop . She invited me to watch the class which is ongoing and join the salsa nite later at night . I sat and watched her class .till 930
. A difference I observed at salsa classes in germany is there is no exchange of partners so if your partner is a bad dancer you are stuck just like a bad marriage . In Mumbai you need not take a partner to salsa class .On go there you get partner for dancing .So both Mumbai and munich has its own flavour of salsa dancing . Of course for salsa nites anywhere in the world no need to take a partner from home .
. 09:00 pm Max Café ---Munich Germany ………the students most of them germans are gone .The dance floor is almost empty . Our Latina teacher shall I call her Jennifer lopez J is at the DJ counter . By 9 :30 people are trickling in-- an entire new set of people . Some students some of them Chinese , one or two black students , some germans and at least 10 or more latin origin people . And I representing my country . . Workshop started . But there is a small problem . The sex ratio is something like 15:14 . And who is the unlucky one …any guesses ---me .What happened was --- New place , new instructor I was so much distracted that I missed out on catching the partner in the rush . For 1 minute I danced by myself .
Then , from somewhere a latin girl landed .I got ready to ask her hand in dancing salsa style. I looked around . 10 metres away a huge latin guy was watching us . Should I ask her to dance with me ?? (and get bashed up after I get out at 12 midnite ) . Seeing my hesitation the latin guy gestured . hey he is gesturing me to ask her to dance J . Green signal ----there I go . In salsa style showed the hand to the latin girl . She was happy to get a partner . We danced for sometime and I asked her something in English and she smiled and answered me back ---in Spanish /Portuguese . Great J . I thanked her in English after the dance and she ? thanked me (in Spanish/Portuguese of course ) . On a serious note dance ,music ….unites people inspite of racial ,cultural differences . I wish all the warring religious , racial biased people learnt salsa .
After the workshop the mood changed on the dance floor . How do you describe an avalanche or volcanic eruption in words? . I cannot but will try . DJ was mixing the finest latin tunes ---salsa, cha cha , samba , bachata . Salsa was cool with all the spinning turns , dips . Latinas on the dance floor were dancing like they were on fire . And our big bad latin guy was on the floor leading and dancing quite well considering his size. The latin girls were doing the intricate steps in perfect rhythm but one key difference from Mumbai salsa scene . Here there was the perfect dance with all the complicated moves with the added passion . Like spicy masala to chicken curry it made the whole dance music a surreal experience .
Then there were many blacks dancing with german girls , a young Chinese guy dancing with his recent german lover ( how did I know they were lovers ?? any guesses love has no race or religion ) . I enjoyed the dance and more than that this sight of many different nationalities dancing to the music . AND THIS IS THE CITY WHERE THE NAZIS FIRST STARTED THEIR PARTY ACTIVITIES which ended in killing of ? millions of jews . Was I impressed more with the sensuality of my favourite dance or this interracial unity ? I don’t know .
Lastly I saw an old man maybe 65+ walking around the dance floor . He was having a peculiar gait some orthopaedic problem sure and was smiling intermittently . I thought what this guy is doing here. Not because of his age because then I can also be thrown out J but because of his orthopaedic problem . 5 minutes later I looked again and there he was in the centre of dance floor dancing with a latin girl . Then I looked at him again ; yes his salsa is not fast enough but acceptable . Then I looked at his features . I remembered , I have seen pictures of people like him in travel journals ---------Cuban J . And who am I to say he should be out from the dance floor ---its his forefathers that discovered this fantastic dance form SALSA -----and my role is only to admire and Dance -------SALSA in munich or mumbai or anywhere .
p.s ---comments welcome .
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
munich here i come
27.08.09 Hotel Kral ,Erlangen Germany
Having finished my training yesterday I am a free bird (sorry a free man as birds need not pay for hotel bills ) to explore Germany . Waking up at 9 am as theres no travel agent to wake me up early I proceed to the breakfast spread . It consists of a variety of buns and a variety of jams , 3 varieties of butter and butterlike things (all names in pure german ) , juices and kaffee (coffee ) . cold meat cuts I didn’t try looked too raw for me .
Said goodbye to the german guy at the reception and said goodbye in the mind to the sweet german girl who was in the reception the day I checked in . Checkout over in 5 mts not much 25000 rs for four nights stay at discounted corporate rate .
Taximan as usual the hefty friendly german and a Mercedes E class . Off to Erlangen railway station 5 mts away and I was not shocked at the bill of 560 rupees . taxis are really expensive in germany .
Took a ticket to Munchen (Munich ) which is a two hour journey . No problem at the counter as the woman knows only german and I know more german than her (sign language is same everywhere ). To tell the truth I know about 50 german words but bitte(please) dhanke (thanks ) are not enough german to get a ticket . To get a ticket what you have to say .i didn’t know then other than sign language .
In Deutsche Bahn (german railways ) there are mainly 2 types of trains long distance ICE (Intercity express) and regional RE (regional express ) . generally ICE is bullet shaped and goes at 200 kph and has ICE written on it . As far as we are concerned if we take a RE ticket which is cheaper and get into ICE we will be fined heavily . In a precision oriented society there is no room for error and not knowing german is not an excuse .
So I get inside a RE train ; compared to our trains they are way neater but I miss the coffee and iddlis in our trains .Scenery is good but I like kerala scenery better . ( im a hardcore naadan in many things ) . The train is filled with people . I am the only Indian in the compartment . Like Indian masala quantity is least important . J
.
In exact two hours reach munich . a big and neat railwaystation (haupbahnhof ) meaning major train station . german is simple bahn is train U bahn is underground train etc . How many words I have taught you till now.
First thing I notice is the beautiful trams that are in the street , the road with bmws open tops almost all of them and city with no high rises to intimidate you .The thing I like about german cities is they provide you everything without being crowded and looks more like a small town .
If you are following my footsteps don’t do this mistake which I did . Their three day ticket gives unlimited access to Ubahn Sbahn buses and trams . Somehow I thought trams were not included and ended up carrying my luggage of 20 kgs for 15 minutes. By walking . I could have asked someone but I have this habit of not asking for help unless im totally lost ---male trait ive read somewhere .
So dragging my luggage I reach A and O hostels a “youth “ hostel nearby and check-in . Impressive service for the price 15 euros a night shared room with 6 people mixed dormitory . 3 german girls at the counter later I found them extremely resourceful in my cityhunting .The rooms are neat with dormitory style beds but rooms are big with a balcony and attached bath . breakfast is free and unlimited . internet is costly at rupees 200 per hour . I thought the communication systems were better and cheaper in germany . After checkin in I went out straight to haupbahnhof . my destination BMW Welt or the Museum and showroom of BMW . I have got my unlimited three day ticket so I look at the map and directions from the sweet german receptionist and look for U3 and U6 . Where to find them no confusion at all directions everywhere . But one thing I got little confused . went down below the station where ICE trains were standing and saw the underground trains but all were” S’bahns. Now I was thouroughly confused I have gone down one floor down the mainstation and reached the “underground “ but all trains are “S “bahns or suburban trains . Then I saw the symbol “U3 “ and arrow pointing down . So they have two floors of undergrounds . hey were these guys were digging all their life . Impressive . And I was more impressed when I saw some of their U bahns without a driver . YES ---without a driver .
I soon reached BMW welt or the BMW showroom . Cool place . Entry is free . The place is a huge indoor showroom with all current BMW models including their hybrid cars , all their convertibles , sedans and even their hybrid SUV . Near each car there is a german girl sorry they are not free with the cars . They were friendly and helped me click my picture inside the BMWs . There is an indoor track were the cars are parked for customer delivery and they have a written policy that the delivery of the car is made memorable .
I went to the second floor my department ---cheaper alternatives the bikes .starting from 800 cc to 1300 cc .impressive beasts . I will buy one some day . Bikes are also classified into subfamilies . 4 categories ---sports , off road , cruiser and fourth type I forgot . You can take as much photos as you want here too . Also you can see a formula one racer car here and multiple gaming consoles which are free . There is a souvenier shop where you get BMW pens for 400 rs . I bought some . BMW cars ---I didn’t buy them . The models are too expensive 6000 to 7000 rs per piece . There was a plant visit of BMW manufacturing but I was told it needed prior booking . But the german gentleman told me if any cancellations are there I can be accommodated . I waited but L no cancellations
Back to my hotel . Its getting dark the streets are less packed . I walked for a kilometer from the train station to hotel as exercise . Unlike walking in india walking in germany or cycling is pure pleasure ---fresh air , no crowding , nice gardens nearby and safe too . No buses to crush you in the footpath or a pothole to fall into . Had a pepsi (150 rs ) and browsed the net . German receptionists smiled – I don’t know ----its not their beauty (they are quite pretty ) ---but they are genuinely “ very helpful “ that impresses me . 18-20 year old girls who deal with say 100 + guests still taking out time for our queries in detail that too most about munich ---im sure they don’t get paid by munich city officials for talking in detail about munich .
Coming up next :
Salsa at Max café , near university ,Munich
Dachau Concentration camp ---ARBEIT MACHT FREI
Deutsches Museum
Nurnberg ----eating the famous Nurnberger near a 14 th century palace
Erlangen ----cycling in german „village „
German for beginners ---the bare essentials
Having finished my training yesterday I am a free bird (sorry a free man as birds need not pay for hotel bills ) to explore Germany . Waking up at 9 am as theres no travel agent to wake me up early I proceed to the breakfast spread . It consists of a variety of buns and a variety of jams , 3 varieties of butter and butterlike things (all names in pure german ) , juices and kaffee (coffee ) . cold meat cuts I didn’t try looked too raw for me .
Said goodbye to the german guy at the reception and said goodbye in the mind to the sweet german girl who was in the reception the day I checked in . Checkout over in 5 mts not much 25000 rs for four nights stay at discounted corporate rate .
Taximan as usual the hefty friendly german and a Mercedes E class . Off to Erlangen railway station 5 mts away and I was not shocked at the bill of 560 rupees . taxis are really expensive in germany .
Took a ticket to Munchen (Munich ) which is a two hour journey . No problem at the counter as the woman knows only german and I know more german than her (sign language is same everywhere ). To tell the truth I know about 50 german words but bitte(please) dhanke (thanks ) are not enough german to get a ticket . To get a ticket what you have to say .i didn’t know then other than sign language .
In Deutsche Bahn (german railways ) there are mainly 2 types of trains long distance ICE (Intercity express) and regional RE (regional express ) . generally ICE is bullet shaped and goes at 200 kph and has ICE written on it . As far as we are concerned if we take a RE ticket which is cheaper and get into ICE we will be fined heavily . In a precision oriented society there is no room for error and not knowing german is not an excuse .
So I get inside a RE train ; compared to our trains they are way neater but I miss the coffee and iddlis in our trains .Scenery is good but I like kerala scenery better . ( im a hardcore naadan in many things ) . The train is filled with people . I am the only Indian in the compartment . Like Indian masala quantity is least important . J
.
In exact two hours reach munich . a big and neat railwaystation (haupbahnhof ) meaning major train station . german is simple bahn is train U bahn is underground train etc . How many words I have taught you till now.
First thing I notice is the beautiful trams that are in the street , the road with bmws open tops almost all of them and city with no high rises to intimidate you .The thing I like about german cities is they provide you everything without being crowded and looks more like a small town .
If you are following my footsteps don’t do this mistake which I did . Their three day ticket gives unlimited access to Ubahn Sbahn buses and trams . Somehow I thought trams were not included and ended up carrying my luggage of 20 kgs for 15 minutes. By walking . I could have asked someone but I have this habit of not asking for help unless im totally lost ---male trait ive read somewhere .
So dragging my luggage I reach A and O hostels a “youth “ hostel nearby and check-in . Impressive service for the price 15 euros a night shared room with 6 people mixed dormitory . 3 german girls at the counter later I found them extremely resourceful in my cityhunting .The rooms are neat with dormitory style beds but rooms are big with a balcony and attached bath . breakfast is free and unlimited . internet is costly at rupees 200 per hour . I thought the communication systems were better and cheaper in germany . After checkin in I went out straight to haupbahnhof . my destination BMW Welt or the Museum and showroom of BMW . I have got my unlimited three day ticket so I look at the map and directions from the sweet german receptionist and look for U3 and U6 . Where to find them no confusion at all directions everywhere . But one thing I got little confused . went down below the station where ICE trains were standing and saw the underground trains but all were” S’bahns. Now I was thouroughly confused I have gone down one floor down the mainstation and reached the “underground “ but all trains are “S “bahns or suburban trains . Then I saw the symbol “U3 “ and arrow pointing down . So they have two floors of undergrounds . hey were these guys were digging all their life . Impressive . And I was more impressed when I saw some of their U bahns without a driver . YES ---without a driver .
I soon reached BMW welt or the BMW showroom . Cool place . Entry is free . The place is a huge indoor showroom with all current BMW models including their hybrid cars , all their convertibles , sedans and even their hybrid SUV . Near each car there is a german girl sorry they are not free with the cars . They were friendly and helped me click my picture inside the BMWs . There is an indoor track were the cars are parked for customer delivery and they have a written policy that the delivery of the car is made memorable .
I went to the second floor my department ---cheaper alternatives the bikes .starting from 800 cc to 1300 cc .impressive beasts . I will buy one some day . Bikes are also classified into subfamilies . 4 categories ---sports , off road , cruiser and fourth type I forgot . You can take as much photos as you want here too . Also you can see a formula one racer car here and multiple gaming consoles which are free . There is a souvenier shop where you get BMW pens for 400 rs . I bought some . BMW cars ---I didn’t buy them . The models are too expensive 6000 to 7000 rs per piece . There was a plant visit of BMW manufacturing but I was told it needed prior booking . But the german gentleman told me if any cancellations are there I can be accommodated . I waited but L no cancellations
Back to my hotel . Its getting dark the streets are less packed . I walked for a kilometer from the train station to hotel as exercise . Unlike walking in india walking in germany or cycling is pure pleasure ---fresh air , no crowding , nice gardens nearby and safe too . No buses to crush you in the footpath or a pothole to fall into . Had a pepsi (150 rs ) and browsed the net . German receptionists smiled – I don’t know ----its not their beauty (they are quite pretty ) ---but they are genuinely “ very helpful “ that impresses me . 18-20 year old girls who deal with say 100 + guests still taking out time for our queries in detail that too most about munich ---im sure they don’t get paid by munich city officials for talking in detail about munich .
Coming up next :
Salsa at Max café , near university ,Munich
Dachau Concentration camp ---ARBEIT MACHT FREI
Deutsches Museum
Nurnberg ----eating the famous Nurnberger near a 14 th century palace
Erlangen ----cycling in german „village „
German for beginners ---the bare essentials
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