VIZAG matters - Sohan Hatangadi's Blog

Auto rickshaws I have been in Vizag since the time Rickshaws were moved on human pedal power. We bargained in fractions of a rupee and having sealed the deal we clambered – four into the rickshaw and perched our posteriors precariously on the contraption as it crawled (or whizzed) depending on the topography of the area, to our destination. The rickshaw man sweated and strained, alighting from the seat many times to pull the rickshaw. Some passengers, moved by his efforts, would get off and give the man a hand. (No, they did not walk alongside clapping – they pushed). It was terrible labour and due to Vizag’s steep slopes and extreme weather the job was made even more difficult. Auto rickshaw pullers were a tough breed with sinuous legs and weather beaten faces. They smoked Chuttas and abused most colorfully. They labored all day, brawled all evening over bottles of arrack. And after a frugal meal they slept deeply, curled up on their rickshaw seats. Late at night, below the...

Vizag’s tourism paradigm Over the last several months I have been travelling out of Vizag often. Each time I return I am glad to be back. Not only because I am coming home to family and friends but because I come home to Vizag; my stunningly beautiful city.    It is natural that the residents of the city to be proud of Vizag. And from this pride comes the tendency to show off the city to others. That is why we Vizagite say “We should develop Vizag into a tourist spot”. The rationale for wanting tourists is that: tourism brings in visitors who spend gobs of money here and generate employment that makes Vizagites rich . Notice how a subliminal pride of the city is rationalized into what appears to be a good reason. But what is the truth about tourism? While there are several different types of tourists let us examine a few main segments MONEY BAGS Indian & western The rich five star hotel and cruise liner type. Generally well-heeled, b...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Hic-Hic--Happy-New-Year/articleshow/28072606.cms Happy New Year Time of joy This is that part of the year when a spirit of bonhomie, geniality and general joie de vivre permeates the air. Not to mention the spirit of … well spirits … that permeates our veins and puts us all in a particularly amenable mood. With joyous shouts of “Happy New Year” we greet complete strangers startling them and prompting them to shout back “same to you, same to you”. Ah, I love this part of the year. Planning where to go This is also that part of the year when socialites make plans for 31 st night. The plans are generally kept fluid till a couple of days before New Year’s Eve. For those going to hotels it’s straight forward. Dress up – sit there – watch the canned entertainment – drink – eat – burp - slur – stagger and or drive back home and sleep it off. Those going to “Clubs” also have little to plan. Dress – take your seat – w...