Citygritty 8212; Pune

Park n' sufferThe pay-and-park scheme has regularised the parking where it is operational, but, unfortunately, the auto-rickshaw drivers...

Park n8217; suffer
The pay-and-park scheme has regularised the parking where it is operational, but, unfortunately, the auto-rickshaw drivers seem to be oblivious of basic traffic rules. That one does not park one8217;s vehicles in such a way that another vehicle8217;s path is blocked. Rickshaw drivers double park with impunity, blocking vehicles that have parked legally on the earmarked space. So if one has to move out, one will have to wait aimlessly till the rickshaw driver moves his vehicle out of the way. If only some people followed traffic rules, the chaos on the roads would be much less.

Storm water rising
The rains are showing no signs of letting up. But sadly, the drains, too, are following suit. At M.G. Road, outside Marz-O-Rin, one downpour was enough to create a huge pool of water. And this made it difficult for people to get on and off the footpath. If you had your car parked at the pay and park, you8217;d have to wade through the pool to get in. Never mind if you had your shoes, socks and pants all mucked up in the process.

Nature calls
This is that time of the year when people have holidays and are preparing for them. Wanderthirst, an organisation that is engaged in eco-tourism, is planning a visit to the Chilka and Bhitarkanika Sanctuaries in Orissa. This is a unique eco-system that is a breeding ground for millions of flamingoes, pelicans and a large variety of water-birds. But that is not all that one can do there. Star-gazing, discussions on ecology and sight-seeing are all part of this different kind of a holiday. The nature camp will go on from December 24 to January 2. This is one way to have a different kind of new year bash.

Pub hop, okay!
There8217;s nothing new about a pub serving whiskey, but Black Cadillac discovered a whole new way of going about it. It had drinks served on a moving bar. Which meant that patrons did not signal frantically for the waiter or get up to place their order with the bartender. As a promo for Southern Comfort, a young male moved about the pub carrying the bottle and small glasses8230; attached to his belt.

He went around asking customers if they needed a drink. And if they did, then he promptly took off a glass, poured in the drink and left them to enjoy that little swig. Good things do come in small packages, after all.

A taste of the exotic
Yet another Diwali bonanza for food-lovers, and this time an exotic Oriental treat from Thailand, Burma, Vietnam and Tibet. With chef Nikhil Chib coming in for the festival from Mumbai, the menu promises delicacies from starters to the main course. There will also be a variety of soups and salads to choose from. This three-day Asian Food Fusion will be on at the 1000 Oaks from October 16 and will be open for both lunch and dinner.