Memories - Old and New

Have you ever noticed how the world quietens when it snows? I think this was my first observation about the first snow fall I saw in Switzerland. It as quiet as a tomb. The cars run slower, people walk slower. You see less people around even though every one still manages to get to work on time. The peace and quiet is almost like Delhi during foggy winter nights. But unlike Delhi it does not feel threatening. I do not worry what lies on the next dark corner when I am walking or running early in the morning. I can go running at 4 or 5 in the morning with my podcasts running without any fear of getting hit and mugged here. I think that is an advantage you have for running at the temperature of -5!

But it sure is a pity. Delhi is a beautiful city. It is to me. The city which is the center of politics and power. I have always felt that about the city. The city of "jugaad" and "jack". Where it matters where you live and whom you know. Where it matter in which circle you hang out. Whether you are in the "in crowd". It is dirty and downright disgusting sometimes to see how things run there. But I grew up in that city. I have 18 years of memories of that city. Most good, some bad and some fairly unpleasant. But that is my city. Recently, I have heard some of my friends move to other cities mostly Mumbai and have gushed how much better the city is. How much safer it is and how much more happening that city is. But I still feel that my loyalties lie with Saddi Dilli.

I feel almost the same for Bern now. I have made a lot of memories in Bern in the past three years. All of them different and fun and of a completely different vein than the ones I made in Delhi. I think I have changed as a person here. I hope I have grown to be a better person for me. A more honest person to myself. I think I lie a lot less since I am here as I am responsible for myself and it is much easier to say the truth to oneself than to the rest of the world. My Bern memories are few and far between but they are my memories. I have not shared them with anyone. They are a part of me and someday if someone is lucky enough I might just share those memories with them................ Though some of the memories are indeed shared. I guess that is how it is supposed to be. Bern has been quiet as a tomb or loud as a concert for me. It has been like a brother to me or a mortal enemy. But the city has always been there for me unlike people.

I guess that is one of the main reasons why my loyalties towards the my cities is much stronger than people. Even with Delhi I have memories of late nights with no worry of getting into trouble. Though sadly those memories are not my own. But they exist. I have been lucky in my choice of cities till now and I hope that this will be so in the future too. I think good cities bring out the best in me.

On a more fun note. Have you ever tried running in the snow? Its like running on the beach only much much much much colder! In short super cool...............