You Know You Are in Pune When...

people wish to know your ‘adnaav’ (last name) more than your first name.
people wish to know whether you  ‘belong’ (read Maharashtrian) here or…
pedestrians look to ‘their’ left first while crossing the road.
you find ‘NO Parking’ sign everywhere but no parking space anywhere!
you find nothing ‘professional’ about professions such as plumber,carpenter or electrician.
all south indian’s are deemed ‘kannad’.
‘varan baath’ is considered a delicacy.
you find mediocrity is a brand.
you find every other household having at least one car and two two-wheelers.

Missing Manneys

Pune will not be the same without Manneys. The place has a homely feel to it, devoid of any pomp or show. At a time when shops ‘also’ sell books among other merchandise, Manneys remained essentially and exclusively, a bookstore.Manneys’ Mani and manners are synonymous to say the least. A telephonic enquiry about books is as good as a lesson in telephone etiquette. In a world where politeness and courtesy are not fashionable any more, Manneys has zealously stayed old-fashioned. I can well understand the owner’s reasons for not passing on the legacy to another- I would rather live with the void than have it replaced.