My place 2.5

So I came across this guy who happened to visit our office one day, marketing his firm's system furniture range. A soporific presentation actually turned quite interesting when he came up with a philosophy.

This concept as defined by sociologists imparts new dimension to the prevalent places our life revolves around daily. So, there are three places altogether. First place is our 'Home'. Second is our 'Work Place'. Third is the place we seek for 'Leisure'. Structurally, the first place is the comfort circle for a majority mass and the second one is often more impersonal and apathetic. Although, 'Place 1' being a general center of relaxation, it's often stressful to spend the time remaining after being at 'Place 2'. Thus, a common person usually seeks solace in 'Place 3', where there is much room for personal development and one gets some time alone to sidetrack life's stresses temporarily.

Then comes 'Place 2.5' into existence. The aim of this philosophy being to transform 'Place 2' into an idealistic one, cloning all the perks of 'Place 3'! Practically, that guy was marketing how their concept of 'Place 2.5' converted a torpid work environment into a perfect place with all feels of a breakout zone. But, I created my own hypothesis out of the same.

How about looking for a 2.5 near me instead of creating it?

I'm sure there exists some place for all of us which, we love from the bottom of our hearts in spite of criticizing it in times of distress. A place where simply spending few minutes can bring every mess right on the track. Gave it a generous amount of thought and could finally hit on the right place. I'm dwelling right there at the very moment - Mumbai! Topophilia, isn't it? Well, I'm very much in love with Mumbai since I first felt the sea here as a child. It's undeniably an awesome city. I know few people denounce it because more than half of the city smells of garbage and fish, but that doesn't undermine the zeal of a true Mumbaikar. We are fanatic about every city spot, Mumbai's geography, local trains, stations, simple yet lovely food and weather (yes, those lovely Bombay rains!). 

One can't simply miss out the astounding architecture on South Mumbai streets; takes me to some other place in time. The Colaba Causeway glittered with archaic homes turned to cafe's offering delectable food, bustling with shoppers from different walks of life, all hunting down similar fancies. A drive around the Oval, Flora Fountain, Asiatic Library steps & Mumbai’s first Starbucks is simply wow. You can enjoy being part of a movie shoot in the vicinity of Horniman Circle Garden, if you’re lucky.

Going a little up North, the city side..Ooohh...here happens the real business! A shopper can find everything here; ranging from a clip to a clock. You name it and you get it. There are perks of shopping in theses street markets, you can bargain a BIG deal. Brings me joy! And, then my other love, food. No one can escape the epic Khau Galli, as famous as it was before the terrifying blasts of July ’11. The pudlawala, the khamani, Gujju thali at thacker’s club and that awesome milk shake in Sutar Chawl. It feels satisfying to die with pleasure after savoring these :D. At dusk, it’s time to take a walk along the fabulous Queen’s Necklace (you can always lie down here, with music to add to the charm). I can look..hear..smell the sea.

My second and most favorite spot in Mumbai again has the SEA :D. The legendary Bandra Fort..offering a mesmerizing view of the sea link. My first and only visit to this place was indelible. Farhan Akhtar performing live at the Bandra Fort, aaahhhh...lucky me :D ;). Bandra has the best streets to be walked down alone. Hilly roads lined with contrasting homes. Some masterpiece residences, some beautiful little shacks and then there are some average looking bungalow exteriors, which do not hint you an iota that there’s a Bollywood star dwelling in there. Hosting up some marvelous spots like Pali Hill, Carter Road and Hill Road, it’s one of the most lovely and famous of all suburbs in Mumbai. For a great Bandra experience, there are myriad themed cafe’s, deli’s, art galleries, book stores, pubs, promenades & everything! Everyone knows by now, my favorite are Candies & Guilt Trip :D. In a nutshell, one can’t have enough of this part of Bombay. It’s always brimming with shoppers, clubbers, foodies, photographers & love birds.

The loveliest thing about Mumbai? You’re never alone even if you are. There are people from all around India (actually even from different parts of the world). So, you realize an amazing blend of culture, languages and enjoy authentic dishes from every part of the world. There is a chaotic crowd, no second thoughts over that, but that’s actually fun to watch especially in the local trains. Every local station has its own little famous stories to boast of. Every corner and niche has something vivid despite of its shortcomings. Just sit down by Carter or Bandstand Promenade on a Saturday night with a group of budding guitarists, enchanting a mixed crowd with lovely composed tunes. Here’s where you forget the week’s stresses & experience the vivacity of Mumbaikars!

I’m head over heels for my Place 2.5. What’s yours?