An Evening in Paharganj

Paharganj is one of those areas in your city that you always 'hear about' from people who are not from here. Yesterday was the first time that I went there. And honestly, before this, hadn't ever thought of visiting the place. So it was with a mix of apprehension and curiosity that I went there.

Apparently, the easiest way to get there is to park you car at the Ramakrishna Ashram Metro Station and walk down. But that's based on the assumption that you manage to get a spot in the overcrowded parking lot (No prizes for guessing that I didn't)! So, the best-er way is to take a metro from CP (or wherever). Enough about getting there though...

What I saw of Paharganj was a never-ending (or so Shilpa claims) road lined with Janpath-esque shops - colorful jholas and skirts, dingy artefacts and junk jewellery. But there was more to it. More than the cafes that lined the street. More than the hippie-looking phoren people. More than the pot-holed street that could barely be walked on. There is something about Paharganj that's eerie and welcoming at the same time. It's like a generous host who has a big smile and open arms but whose eyes warn you to not try and get too close.

After haggling for dirt cheap clothes (that looked second hand to say the least) we went to the (apparently) much talked about Sam's Cafe. The entrance makes it look like any other local cafe. Quite deceptive! 'Coz if you take it for what it first appears to be, you miss out on the best part - the rooftop seating area. It's on the third floor. And you HAVE TO see Dilli lit up from up there! Makes you fall in love with the city all over again :)

The staff lets you be. The crowd's mostly the backpacking kids. The menu looks extremely tempting. The food...uh...well, let's just say there's more to Sam's cafe than the food! ;)

safe or not?

From as long back as internet n chat-rooms (and now 'social networking') have been, there has also been loads written and said about the creepy things that can happen to you as a result of these. Back during the ICQ n Yahoo Chat days, I felt that these were just unfair apprehensions of parents to whom these were alien concepts. As any average adolescent, I was wary of the control my parents were allegedly trying to impose! But honestly, their fears don't seem so bizarre anymore. I mean, people DO get killed. Yea well, it is a 1-in-a-100 scenario. Maybe the odds are even bleaker. But still!

Then again, I have met some very awesome people through the same medium . And well, I have been quite lucky(came with its own share of heartache n disappointments of course)... No psychotic stalkers or rapists in disguise! So is it just pure luck? Or have I been smart enough to ward off the anti-social? I really don't know! At the same time, I don't vouch for online relationships for everyone. It's very easy to get swept away by something that could pretty well be a figment of your imagination. People who are too 'real' find this whole internet-as-a-means-of-meeting-new-people to be a waste of time. And for people who are too unreal, it's plain dangerous!

Hmm...which implies that only if you are smart enough like me ( ;) )...that is, a healthy mix of fantasy n reality, you are safe! But that's too much to ask for in every person. So, here's a few pointers:

1. As colonial as it may sound, stick to people who type good english (or whichever language u chat in!...bad grammar is such a turn off!)... In terms of 'net friends' at least, this is a sure-shot way of weeding out people I know I can do without!

2. Steer clear of people who seem overly enthusiastic

(a combination of the above points make sure you are saved from the "lets do frandship" and "wanna hav fun" varieties)

3. There is no need to share personal info such as your name and whereabouts till you are sufficiently comfortable with a person. This includes phone numbers! :P Take it slow.

4. Do NOT encourage people who want to meet you even before they've had a chance to get to know you. The 'how will we get to know each other if we don't meet' argument is the lamest ever!

What else...what else....oh what the heck! There are no rules! Just use your head. And pray that you have my luck ;)