Namma Namma Bengaluru

As the excitement was building up with our first visit to Bengaluru, we needed some rest after an exhausting day but that wasn't to be the case as our dear friend who was bragging that he can stay awake for 24hrs etc. and goes for his DAILY 5.30am walks couldn't stop talking, not to forget we had to wakeup 6.30am for our flight.
As we wakeup and got ourselves ready..we were under the impression that our friend was out for his morning walk, only to find out he was still SLEEPING!!!

As we made way to the Airport, we were a little tense about whether we'd make it there on but we managed to arrive at the airport and check-in for our flight in time. When in actuality we got there in good time, really good time. After checking in we spotted something familiar; A Subway concession and a Paneer Tikka Sub had to be had; which wasn't as great as expected, but did the job, what i'll remember is the best tea I've ever had, remember the name "WAGH BAKRI CHAI" I smacked 3 cups,lolz! Boarded the plane, cramped seats with our long legs, every local person having a nap and a smooth journey to Bengaluru!

BENGALURU!!! We come out of the airport and could just feel the India vs England hype building up, plenty of Londoners, Barmy army and British born Indian fans strolling around, with posters and official world cup merchandise being sold outside the airport. Time to get a cab to our Shilton Suite hotel, all the local taxi drivers hounding us in an attempt to hustle us. we don't look that foreign,COMONNN! They were giving us double the price but with my bargaining skills managed to push it right down (probably still got ripped off,lolz) We get to the hotel after an hours drive, check in at reception and with a suprise in store we get our room upgraded for free to luxury suite, oi oi! Lovely room and all is well...

A look at the room, drop off our bags and straight back out, time to get the big match tickets! We get to the Chinnaswamy Stadium with a queue waiting to pickup tickets, sun beating down and prepared for a long wait! We met people from London, Essex, Leeds, Blackpool and Southampton..everyone had there own stories and plenty of complaints about KyaZoonga who are the official ticketing company, very unorganised i must say! There was a guy from Leeds who was telling everyone that he got robbed while collecting tickets for an earlier game. He got caught out with the old nudge and grab. There was various journalists and interviewers around, they all wanted us guys to give an interview on what would be the outcome of the match..IBN Live asked me and why not huh?lolz, I gave a brief interview and all did go well :-) Also spotted outside the ground were Ian Ward and Tim Abraham. As we got closer to the ticket office, mixed emotions..excitement and nerves, hoping everything would go smoothly. Finally get there, provide them with confirmation emails and ID's. After a few anxious minutes finally got the golden tickets, it's all about Stand H :-)






Tickets all locked up safe in my bag, before see some attractions in Bengaluru time to try some local food, very few choices for vegeterians but nothing better then a masala dosa as it's south Indias speciality and Kishans favourite :p..lolz. A nice munch, few phone calls to London, email checks, whatsapp messages and ready to roll!

First place to visit was Lal Bagh, a massive and beautiful park better then Kew Gardens and Holland Park. It has amazing plants, flowers, sculptures, fountains, ponds and a glass house inspired by Crystal Palace. A quick stroll around in the beautiful place left in need of some relaxation. A perfect time to head to Kenco Relaxation and Fish Spa. We booked ourselves in for a 10 min fish spa. Our feet were washed by a member of staff; ready for the fish to attack. And oh boy do they attack your feet as soon as they're dropped in the water. The 1st few moments can be quite terrifying for someone who is ticklish, but once you get used to it, it becomes quite a pleasurable experience. After pulling your feet out, the change is noticeable straight away; with most of the dead skin having been eaten off by the fish, your feet feel fresh and a lot smoother, I might need to buy some of those fishes for home and beware if your feet stink please don't do this as you may kill these lovely fishes..lolll!



We then visited the UB City shopping centre, big brand names such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and others. It showed us how middle class India has advanced so fast, amazing to see. On the terrace of the shopping centre there was a huge crowd, we got to know that it was a Pink Floyd tribute attended by Sid Mallya and other celebs. We went back to the hotel to freshen up and then in search for a place to eat. A well known place called Sunnys was recommended by a family friend so we decided to go there, beating the night traffic we arrived at the lovely posh restaurant, fully packed out but the menu wasn't too appealing. Kishan having a Grape Cooler and for my soar throat a nice hot Apple Tody which is warm apple juice with apple bits, cinnamon and cloves ;-) We had magarita pizza, handmade vegi burger and tofu sizzler. A nice meal felt good but as shops shut 11pm all around we went in search for some mineral water, trust me it wasn't going to be that easy! We went strolling down the street but not a shop in sight but after a mile walk got some luck, happy day after all.. :-)



Back to the hotel and preperations started for the big match tomorrow! India shirts ironed, flags ready, tickets securely in the bag, India caps, Sunglasses and 100% charged phones although it was a risk taking them. It is going to be a dream coming true tomorrow, INDIA VS ENGLAND HERE WE COME BABY!!!

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