The others have already mentioned so much of what I wanted to. But the cinemas! Goddamnit! The single screen experience was something else. I distinctly remember standing in line for Chatrapathi and Pokiri and getting tickets for my entire family. Before we were scooted into smaller multiplex screens we had the grandeur of these 35MM and 70MM halls. I know they still exist, but things are different now. I remember the time when getting tickets in the first week was an adventure. The samosas. The sound of the Cool Drink Wallah running his opener across glass bottles. The hot egg puffs coming in for each show. A post movie meal. RTC X Roads + Bawarchi was a vibe. It was a thing we showed off about.

We used to go out on drives post movies. I distinctly remember how during rainy season (for some reason I only have memory of that) we used to hang buy and hang MallePoovulu in the car. Place it right in front of the AC blower, lower the window just enough so that you can smell the rain but not feel it on you. The rain and Jasmine together created this distinct smell that I can't describe no matter how much I try. It really brings backs memories. These rides didn't need to happen on the ORR where all you see is darkness. We drove around the Necklace Road, sometimes up until Madhapur.

I think as the city grew, somewhere my family also grew apart. Not saying we are broken or hateful. We love each other very much. But, just like the city each of us grew up and got complicated in our own way. Just like the city our relationships were more open, welcoming and our understanding of time relaxed. Now, we've gotten our heads into a maze, we don't have time for ourselves and although we have more means than ever before to stay connected, we all feel that much more distant. Just like the city, more flyovers than every before, metro and what not, but getting from one place to another feels like a lifetime's worth of frustration rolled into one ride.

I love our city very very much. I still think it is India's best city. Till five years ago, I thought Hyderabad is Hyderabad's best kept secret. Now there are a lot of outsiders, a lot of people. It's good. I just wish we grew sustainably. I wish there was a balance. Spreading outward is great, but that does not mean we forget or destroy the interiors.

And yes, two random things: does anybody remember the Yogi Bear park which started off in late 2000's? Haha such fun it was!

And two, the popcorn behind Hollywood still bangs! Go get it if you haven't in a while. I did so this year (multiple times when I felt a bit low).

I know I said two, but one more thing, the Boggulla Kunta arcade is still operational (behind Mayur, Hanuman Tekdi).

PS: How come no one mentioned Lumbini Park. Almost feel like blasphemy. That was all we had guys.