So thanks to a hike in Anathgiri Hills yesterday, I headed to Banjara Hills on Friday. I was in no hurry to go so I left Aparna at 7pm and got some apples. If I knew on Friday what I knew today I would've bought 7 apples for INR 100 Friday instead of 3 for INR 50. This is because today I spent INR 100 for 4 from same seller but wasn't in the mood to try and argue price.

So got to Banjara Hills after a close to 2hr journey thanks to the fact I was facing traffic. So had maggi noodles for dinner and fell asleep after a convo on idex. My fault for bringing it up because with certain individuals it's never a positive convo but a complain fest. 

The walk to KBR park at 5am was nerve wracking. Afraid of street dogs as I walked to the main road. Joys of realizing I was going to KBR park not Vengal Rao (not correct spelling) because KBR is farther. BY the time I got to road 2 I cracked and took an auto because I didn't know what to expect on the hike. 

Good thing I took the auto but still showed up before the person giving me a lift to Nanal Nagar Cross Roads. As usual things are on Indian flexi time so didn't get picked up till 10 to 6 when that was the meeting time.

I was told buses won't be running at 5am but I knew that to be false. Thought I'd save money taking the ride but in the end bus would've been cheaper. Auto ride was an unexpected cost for not even a 3km ride but o well was better than tiring myself out before a day hike.

Got to Medipanthan only to wait yet again because two drivers were yet to arrive. So 6am departure was more like 7am departure. One gentleman was the oldest of the group and provided comic relief at the expense of the trek organizer. The guy insisted on giving every driver his number and acted like he was running the show. 

Finally on the road and it was a quite ride for a wile. Stopped at a roadside place for breakfast where I couldn't finish my upma. Side note I think broken wheat or semolina used for upma could make swallow to accompany stew. When we got to Anathagiri Hills, I regretted not finishing my upma because by then I was hungry but at the breakfast place I was full from having oats in Banjara

We finally got to the hills where we did an introduction and some warm ups. It was a bit chilly out since it was an overcast day. Weather has cooled down in Hyderabad since I returned from Hyderabad. Hike started off with an uphill through the woods. Some people had trekked the hills before and knew different trails. Too many people were trying to lead so we never got to the water sources. We did end up at a cemetery and various open spaces. 

Lunch was in a nice area but had lots of stones. Took us 3 hours to reach the place and we were in a cattle grazing area. I played some futball with the guys after lunch. I had packed snacks for lunch but some had a full Indian veg lunch that they shared with me. We all shared our snacks with each other through the day. The guys were nice and sometimes teased me that I looked tired.

After lunch we took a few wrong turns looking for how to get back to the main road. Finally got to the main road after winding up on a cliff overlooking the area where we had lunch. It poured thankfully after we were on the main road and enjoying some chai near the temple. It did rain during lunch but  a light rain.

The ride back to Medipanthan took a while because we stopped for chai and samosas. I regret not getting a samosa but to late now. Then we stopped at a roadside market where the veggies were INR 10 per kilo which is way more than I can consume in a week but I ended up buying okra and some type of leafy greens that someone told me was spinach. The driver who is Indian turned the roadside market into a photo opp. 

Last stop was because we spotted  a peacock and got out for a better look. The ride back I chatted with the other guys. Learned that when they met me they understood 40% of what I said. That is the common comment I get from Indians. 

Finally got back to Nanal Nagar Cross roads after 7pm. Was then time to find the bus stop for me to head to Kothapet. I got to Kothapet but not by bus. Traffic was crazy the entire way since Ganesh Chathurthi is winding down.

Spent the night in Kothapet with a great couple and their lab. The lab is now my friend and I got to play with him. Dinner was so yummy. Bengali style chicken with rice and chapati. I ate so much and was tired from the trek that my English was broken, I couldn't finish the food but it was so good. Vodka with lime juice is a must try again.  

Was nice to sleep in until the friendly lab woke us up and kicked his owner out of bed. He was up so we should be up. After a late breakfast we got ready to head out. I contemplated swinging by Begumpet but with my backpack and veggies I opted to go home. I needed to do laundry which I still haven't improved hand washing skills. I didn't want my veggies to go bad.

I did laundry and cooked once I got back. By the time I got home, (+2hrs) later I was hungry and had the rest of the dal I made last week. I should work on wringing out my towel for faster drying. I scrubbed my sneakers with my toothbrush to get all the mud off from yesterday's hike. I made sure I had another toothbrush in my suitcase before doing so.

Now no gym until they dry. Still need to finish laundry. Clothes aren't drying as quickly now because it isn't sunny. 

People are really friendly and I am suspicious of men but I don't act on my suspicion. Probably my stupidity but sometimes I wonder why people would go out of their way to be nice to me or help me out. Especially when it isn't something I'd ask for someone to do. With all the media on the dangers of being a woman in India, I feel safe as a single woman in India. Hyderabad to me is safe. I pray it continues to be that way for me. 

Maybe it is safe for me because I won't be kidnapped to be a bride in areas where brides are in short supply. I don't fit into the arranged marriage system. Still other horrific things could happen but they could happen anywhere.