Foodie Fun Run for Zen Weekends around Bengaluru

I have a new Food and travel tale about a Foodie fun run trip around Bengaluru from the weekend after Diwali in Nov 2023. It comes at a time when life is not so Zen for me! But I have thankfully the memories of happier times and days with a few good friends.

Which reminds me of my friend Zenobia and her love for trekking. Zenobia and I are ex-colleagues from way back when we worked together on a project briefly in Momentum Strategy Consultants. She now runs her own independent Strategy consulting outfit. Though we haven’t worked together much- we kept in touch with a shared interest in whacky ads, music, books, poems, food, travel and art.

Some of you may have read my post on Migration Story Part 2 which was about a project I took up in Gujarat. To my surprise I discovered later that Zenobia spent many days of her childhood nearby at her grandparents’ place.

Foodie Fun Run Weekend in Mysore

I remember distinctly many years ago visiting Ovalekar Wadi Butterfly Park with Zen and then walking around a dilapidated old Vasai fort amidst some green forested areas nearby. It was a weekend of fun with her and her circle of friends in Mumbai when I really needed a respite from a hectic job schedule.

This time, she proposed joining her for a trip to Mysore (Mysuru) for a 5k Fun Run organised by NEB. I wasn’t sure about the run part, but the trail sounded promising. Zen was flying in from Mumbai and I took a train from Bengaluru with her friends. It was fun for me as I hadn’t taken a train ride in a long time. I carried a box of Kaju Katli and some wadas from the station vendor. These little thrills made me strangely very happy.

We stayed at the Mysore Country Inn and Suites which had decent rooms. All of us finally gathered for a dinner where I met Zen and the rest of the gang. The place had a good healthy spread for breakfast buffet as well- even for those looking for glutenfree options.

It was inside the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary which I had never visited before. I loved the run because it helped me get out from the mad rush in a very congested Bengaluru city. And of course, I loved meeting her circle of friends who were all very warm and welcoming. Couple of them are passionate bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts which was an added bonus. Helped me to learn so much so quickly- though I must confess that I forgot equally fast! 😛 Here’s a good site to visit for bird lovers and bird watchers.

I walked while others ran. I stopped many a times to admire the countryside and look at the birds. For me, it was really more about the natural beauty of the place and being a part of many others who joined in. The run ended with a hearty meal, and we proudly displayed our medals. It’s a good way to meet like-minded people. Though I stuck out like a sore thumb amongst others who were far more serious in their running pursuits. I do have the t-shirt and the medal with me today as a souvenir to remind me of that cool attempt to shake off my lazy bones. 😛

Foodie Fun Run to earn Weekend Feasts

One of the highlights of the trip was the awesome food at one of the local eateries- Annnapoorna Aahar which we found thanks to the recommendation from one of Zen’s friend.

We discovered later that the place was started by a gentleman who had retired after many years of working with Siemens. This small place was family run and the food, service and ambience exuded the warmth and goodness that I remembered from many Udupi meals in Karnataka.

We ordered each of the meals. So, we could try a bit of all items. Loved the Habbada Oota. But that lavish feast had me bursting at the seams. I think all the calories burnt from the walk were more than compensated by the feasting later on. No regrets! I would recommend this meal to anyone visiting Mysore. A walk around or a run later after a siesta might help. 😀

We visited the Bird Park instead and took a boat ride around guided by the bird sanctuary staff. Migratory birds were plenty, but I was most fascinated by the sleepy crocodile in the river. In a previous period of my life- I remember trying crocodile meat as well. It was probably a dare or a whim coming from a young heart full of wonder about new things to try. A challenge now for me as I age. It’s also banned to sell crocodile meat in Bengaluru. From what I remember, it tasted like chicken. I think I will stick to more regular meat! 😀

We returned to Bengaluru satiated though quite exhausted from our run and the train journey back. Do check out this video uploaded of our fun trip to Mysore and the 5k Fun Run.

https://youtu.be/XPtWJUePiOs

Foodie Fun Run around Ramanagara Hills Hike

Zen had another day to spare so we took off for a hike to somewhere around Ramanagara Hills with another friend of hers. She was prepping for a hike to Annapoorna Base camp. Much as I was inspired, I had a lot on my plate. And my fitness level was still not up to the mark to take on that challenge.

We listened to old Hindi film songs from our college era on the drive. And stopped to try Thatte Idlis at a place which was also recommended. Honestly it was so-so. The lunch at Kamat Lokaruchi on the way back was much better. Or it maybe I was hungrier after our walk! 😉 I do recommend it despite the chaotic feel and lack of parking space at times.

It also brought back memories of another meal there many years ago when I visited with a couple of other friends for a 15th August long weekend getaway.

The day hike was more doable of course. I loved the views, and I trudged along weaving my own meandering thoughts. I trailed behind a bit but some of these walks are more of solitary reflections in any case.

Some of the surroundings reminded me of my childhood in Orissa where we would go walking through forests and wild weedy fields. These were more of tended farmlands and orchards actually. We even spied a poultry unit. But it had that same rustic feel and sense of connecting with the Earth. Perhaps this is a romanticised version of the actual life they lead coming from a city girl now. How does it matter. My heart sang a few old tunes of memories and places visited in this life. It helped me enjoy the hike more. (I do remember the stink from the poultry farm coop that made me gag. And changing tracks to avoid a few grazing long horned cattle- just adding a note of reality).

Footnote

I hope someday I will get to do a little more than a day hike. For now, I prepare for a couple of difficult weeks ahead of shifting houses once again. Coincidentally, I found Zenobia has also moved to a new place. I wish her a happy settling into her new home with a snapshot from her last visit to my current abode. I did appreciate her spending that leisurely afternoon over a quick lunch and chai.

Chai reminds me- she was the first person to introduce me to a different combination of masala tea with lemongrass in it. She’s shared many cool ideas over the years and that’s how we kept in touch even though remotely. Funny how little memories stick to your head from fresh ideas and inspiration that may come from anyplace. Do check out her Dance is Fun YT Channel which is a treasure trove of fun dance music. Some of it is great to listen to even while you work, walk, or cook! 🙂

I add a few lines from Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand which is a much-loved heroic comedy remade in a thousand different ways and languages. For Hindi film afficionados apparently Padosan and Bareilly ki Barfi are also inspired from that old French play. Interesting read here for cinema lovers. I trust her good sense of humour to get the connection. 😉

CYRANO (Roars): What? How? You accuse me of absurdity? Small- my nose? Why-

THE MEDDLER (Breathless): My God! —

CYRANO: Magnificent,

My nose!… You pug, you knob, you button-head,

Know that I glory in this nose of mine,

For a great nose indicates a great man–

Genial, courteous, intellectual,

Virile, courageous–as I am–and such

As you– poor wretch–will never dare to be

Even in imagination. For that face–

That blank, inglorious concavity

Which my right hand finds–

(He strikes him.)

Page 29- The First Act from Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand