Taking a vacation every two, and half months - That was the goal, kinda anyways. But more often than not, to reach those goals, or those milestones you’ve to keep adapting. That’s what the goal audit was all about this year. Even so every now, and then you do get tempted to indulge. Slowing down is not a bad thing at all! It does more good than you know.
On To Pune.
This month frivolewis, and I decided to get out of the city for a change of pace. It was a short working vacation. We couldn’t be more glad that we did it. We made our way to Pune, this last week. Made a couple of new friends, discovered, or rather re-discovered some places. Missed a few places. All in all it was a very productive, and relaxing trip. You don’t often see those two words together.
Head To Pune!
On To Pune.
Pune is just about 4 hours away from Bombay, 3 hours if you can avoid the traffic. That’s where we decided to go. Because this was a working vacation, we didn’t want too much time spent on traveling. Pune is also slower than Mumbai in many respects. There are more restaurants, and bars because it’s more affordable a place for starting up one. Because of its low cost standard of living, and high availability of establishments where you can “hang out”, “have a good time”, or “chill” at, there’s a variety of events, and places for every palette. Pune can also be quaint, and quite - given the right locality.
Ironically, Pune is also termed as the capital of Maharashtra. Other names of Pune include Queen of the Deccan, and Oxford of the East. I don’t know much about the other names, but Oxford of the East somehow suits this city. And of course, the Osho ashram is located right in the heart of this city.
Thus Pune was decided upon. It had been a while since I’d ventured there, and Pune has to offer a lot more than just hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and the regular jaunts.
Things To Do In Koregaon Park, Pune.
There’s plenty to discover in, and around Koregaon Park in Pune. Here’re some recommendations based on where we had some good time. We walked almost everywhere.
1. Burger King: Now known as just “Burger”. If you want a quick brunch, or a heavy lunch head here. The ambience is okay. The burgers though are great, and very very affordable. For ~190 ₹ (~ $3 USD) we ate two burgers, and had a cold coffee, and soda. Definitely worth a visit. Located a little ahead of Lane No. 7, North Main Road, K.P, Pune. More about Burger.
2. Independence Brewery: Somewhat further away from K.P, but definitely walkable. Great experience. Great choice of in-house brewed beer. Try the beef chilly, it’s good!
Independence Brewery, Pune.
Splendid house brews.
3. German Bakery: Not as affordable as Burger King, but definitely a good place to sit, and relax. Loved the tea here! Good grub too!
German Bakery, K.P, Pune.
German Bakery, K.P, Pune.
My First Airbnb Experience
My first instinct while searching for a place to stay at in Pune, was to look up the prices for an affordable solution on Airbnb. Also, it made sense to experience Airbnb for the first time in a city which is not far away from home, and where other options of short term residency are abundantly available, based on your budgetary considerations.
The Living Room. You can see frivolewis working outside, through the window.
A couple of properties on Airbnb fell into the sweet spot between affordability, locality, and experience. This would be my first airbnb booking. Well, not exactly. The first property I tried booking wasn’t available during the dates of our travel. But the next one was.
We did not know what we were looking for in terms of a stay. We knew we’d work, and we’d play. Hence, locality mattered much, along with the availability of the Internet. Thus Koregaon Park was a no brainer as a locality to stay around in. Further searches on Airbnb revealed a perfect match, and on enquiring the Host for the availability of the said property, and internet services we had found ourselves the perfect little corner in Koregaon Park.
The Hostess
We stayed in a private room, sharing the house with our hostess - Shalini Gogia. Shalini is very warm, and approachable. We loved our little conversations with her. She’s also very helpful with things to do, and places to visit. I’d earmarked visiting the Tribal Research, and Training Institute in Pune. I’d been recalling the tribal institute from my memory as a “Tribal museum” for some reason. And as such Shalini had inquired about it, but wasn’t able to locate or recall one being around. Any way, I couldn’t find the opportunity to visit it. We got caught up in the slowness of this city, and the beautiful, beautiful apartment. She’s also very helpful, and will make sure you get a good breakfast in, when you wake up in the morning. She will ask you about your preferences with respect to your morning cuppa, your breakfast, etc. You can always use the kitchen to your liking, and cook whatever it is you like. Brilliant.
Cat, under the table.
One of our evenings were more so laid back than usual, and this evening Shalini, and her boyfriend whom she lovingly calls “H”, were interestingly great company to have, and converse with.
Shalini is also a proud mom of her three cats. All of them wonderful creatures, and each with his/her own personality. You can’t help but adore them!
A Garden Apartment Paradise.
Not much to say here, except it’s clean, beautiful, open, has internet, and is located very conveniently in Koregaon Park. It’s well taken care of. You won’t find anything to complain about. And the name of the property is very apt.
Private room, Airbnb, Pune.
Living Room, Opening up into the Garden Area, Airbnb, Pune.
Dining Area, Airbnb, Pune.
One thing we noticed is that once you enter Shalini’s abode, you don’t feel like stepping out. More often than not you find yourself sitting in the lush garden, which is a part of her beautiful living room. And doing nothing. Time slows down back there - in a beautiful, therapeutic way. We stayed for two nights, and both were memorable, and comfortable.
Garden Area, Airbnb, Pune.
Garden Area, Airbnb, Pune.
Garden Area, Airbnb, Pune.
We got to do exactly what we came for! Thank You Shalini!
Verdict
As I mention, slowing down every now so often is not a bad thing at all. I don’t know about frivolewis, but on my return home I did find myself relaxed. It was not tiring, or exhausting.
If you’re headed to Pune, do look up Shalini’s place on Airbnb - A Garden Apartment Paradise. It’s great if you’re looking to share the house, and at the same time have a private room to yourself. She’s a great host, the property is amazing, and is very centrally located in Pune.
Some More Photographs Of Shalini’s Airbnb, Pune.
Garden Area, Airbnb, Pune.
Garden Area, Airbnb, Pune.
Garden Area, Airbnb, Pune.
Private Room, Airbnb, Pune.
Living Room, Airbnb, Pune.
