My New Flat

Here are some pictures of my new flat.  It is actually in Vastrapur, not Bodakdev (for those of you familiar with Ahmedabad).  It is a 3 bed, 2 bath with a balcony.  Much too big for me.  The building looks like it is about to crumble, and the neighborhood seems a little rundown late at night.  However, the inside of the flat is nicely renovated.  The neighborhood is very lively during the day and evening.  When the storefronts are open and the signs are lit up, it is a really great area with lots of small shops, restaurants, street food, and a park.  There is a college right nearby, and one area seems to attract hoards of students on motorcycles.  It is certainly not the upscale Prahlad Nagar with new high-end stores, but it is more of the experience that I was hoping for.  I can always hop in an auto to get my shopping fix, but I need to eat and walk around every day – and I’d rather do that here in Vastrapur.

I took my first “Indian bath”.  My bathroom has a small water heater, but not attached to the shower.  So what people do is fill a big bucket with hot water, then use a scoop to pour over their head.  I have seen people do this, it is a normal thing, but I never imagined that I’d have to do it!  For 2 days I took cold showers, then broke down and tried it.  It is actually a great way to bathe!  Who would have thought?  When it gets to be summer, I’ll probably opt for the cold shower instead.

I did decide to hire a maid to clean my floors and bathroom.  That is very weird for me.  But it gets so dusty, and this place is big, so it is a good idea.  I will not hire a cook though, that is just going too far!

Views from my balcony

My friend Vipin helped me shop and taught me all about living here

Kitchen and nook for laundry and cleaning area

My bedroom

Bought a nice little sound system

Spare bedroom

I’ll post pics of the neighborhood in the next few days.

Then my next posts will be about work and food.  J