I like Hyderabad
Wow. Hyderabad is jewel of a city. Due to direct infrastructure development and investment by the state of Andhra Pradesh and the city, Hyderabad is quickly becoming a model city in India. Like its counterpart, Bangalore, Hyderabad is increasingly attracting foreign investment in the technology sector. The city reflects this new optimism with shops, clean roads, organized traffic systems, city works projects, and new chic neighborhoods.
Hyderabad fascinates as well. It is a mixture of everything. With one of the largest per capita muslim populations in the country, it remains relatively calm during periods of communal violence that tear apart other states. Perhaps it is because the two communities, though subtly segretated, seem to function in tandem. Sarees and dhotis are as common as burkhas and fez. This lively convergence does have its rough spots; I can attest to some heated conversations. I will state that Hyderabadi Muslims were very eager to talk to me, hear my viewpoints, talk about their experiences, and show me their heritage. But, nonetheless, undercurrents of communalism peppered many conversations with Hindus and Muslims.
The food in Hyderabad is very good. Probably because I ate so many delictable meals at Ajay's house and the homes of his relatives. His father was so kind and informative, providing me the tips and reasons behind the South Indian way of eating (with you hands, on the floor, off of a banana leaf). I also ate some good Andhra cuisine in Bangalore that is typlical of the region. But, I must confess an intesnse obsession with Lays Magic Masala potato chips. (That I am still eating having packed some away in plastic containers. What do they preserve them with anyhow?)
Picture Info
The Tankbund is a road/dam that encircles a giant lake in the middle of the city. In the lake is the famous Buddha statue that sat for awhile underwater. Not only do women ride motorcycles sitting behind their husband, they wear a saree or burkha and often carry a baby. How do they do it? The Musi River runs through the city, but is often dry. Like much of India, water shortages are very acute. But never fear if you (men) need to heed nature's call, public urinals are along most streets. I saw monkeys like stray cats in public alleys. They were everywhere, but much cuter than their feline conterparts. Shrikant is the servant's son.