A contrast between two beautiful cities? But why must we compare the lights, the bustling joys and the culture of two shimmering happy places?

I’ve lived my entire life in the lovely cosmopolitan city of Bangalore. The Garden City, the IT Capital, and the land of hopes and dreams. With a population of 1.23 crores (a striking contrast from Kochi’s 6.7 lakhs!), the Silicon Valley of India is notably the city of the young, lively and inclusive.

What makes Bangalore special to me, though, is not just all of that. It’s the vibe — the booming, happy, busy vibe of bustling youngsters, with enough energy to conquer the world.

My love for the city lies in how there’s always something to do here — attend a concert, watch a stand up show, paint in a park, watch a play, party. There are cycles to rent and ride around lakes, marathons to run and pretty parks to make out in.

Another beautiful aspect of the city is the mere number of languages used. Bangaloreans talk in this really interesting mixture of English, Hindi and Kannada — with a sprinkle of Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil on the top! To approach a stranger on the street, there’s a whole myriad of languages to perform trial and error over and pick. I’ve often found myself addressing auto drivers in 3 languages at once(!).

And Bengaluru has always been a place with a lot of love to give. Accepting and non judgement is in its very roots, so is the open support of love between religions, languages and sexualities of all kinds. It’s heartening to see and be a part of.

Source -Storypick

There’s unity in all this diversity as we stand together to defeat the real societal evil — Chennai Super Kings!

Kidding! I mean serious stuff. Of course. (On a side note- standing in solidarity with almost the entire city while cheering for RCB and bashing CSK? So much fun!)

And of course, the nightlife! With the highest number of pubs in Asia and extended hours till 1am, there’s nothing quite like how the city comes alive at night. With lights beaming and music blaring — there’s always a state of electricity and excitement in the air. It’s a buzzed, welcoming vibe.

My inadequately experienced self cannot begin to do enough justice to this description, but stories I’ve heard about the parties here?

Let’s not even go there!

And I like that I’ve grown up there, with places that roll off my tongue and cafés in nooks and crannies that have now become my comfort places. I love the amazing weather, the malls and the clothes. I love every happy memory etched along the flowery streets and traffic laden highways. But I’ve also, always wanted to know what more life had to offer. What new places and experiences were awaiting me? What would I find?

I was obviously extremely apprehensive of shifting cities — especially since my immediate understanding of Kerala was tainted with multiple (and not the most flattering) stereotypes. I was quickly reassured, however, being told that Kochi was one of the very few places a Bangalorean could easily adjust to.

And they weren’t wrong!

The unique and beautiful coastal city of Kochi took a piece of my heart almost immediately. There’s a certain glow I now associate with it that makes me happy and warm from within.

In a completely different way, perhaps; and not in a way everyone would relate to. But I truly think it’s a beautiful place.

The sense of community everyone seemed to have, strips down the language and culture barriers built invariantly in cosmopolitan cities. I like how easy it is to strike a conversation with someone you haven’t met before here, to enjoy the warmth and pleasantries of casual conversation and hear bits and pieces of people’s lives.

People around seem to notice a lot more, and they’ve always been ready to help a stranger out. Makes it easier for us to lend a helping hand too!

And the sheer scenic beauty of some of the places!

Fort Kochi, with its splashes of colour, culture and pretty buildings.

Marine Drive, with its streets of glistening lights, loud vendors, kulikki shakes and a terrific view.

(Sitting on those benches, music and cotton candy in hand, watching the water stretch out as far as the eye can see? Heaven. )

The ferry ride, a personal favourite, with the sight of the waves and glimmering sunlight across the sea.

Furthermore, there are waterfalls and forests and beaches and so much more too, all just a drive away.

All this, and I haven’t even begun exploring Kochi to its full extent yet. There are still so many places to see and things to experience — and I honestly can’t wait!

Sure, there are plenty of shortcomings in both these places, a list that varies from person to person, but it’s not about the negatives, is it?

It’s about moving on from one thing to another, learning to appreciate the best parts. That’s what life’s about. Be it places, friends, schools-We’ve got to understand flaws, but not let them stain our judgement too deeply.

And remember- There are always flowers for those who can see them. :)