I come from the beautiful coastal city of Karnataka state, Mangalore. It is situated on the southern coast of India. Although I have moved out because of my job, I have spent the best days of my life in Mangalore. There are numerous temples and beaches located across the city which thousands of people visit every day.
Mangalore is a blend of vintage and modern pieces. With an increase in the influx of students from various parts of the world, it has become a hub of cultures, given the number of communities that make up the social framework. The beaches in the city are stunning and offer a serene experience to those who like taking a walk along the shore in the evenings. I find solitude sitting on the sand while listening to the sound of crashing waves whenever I visit the beach. In addition, there are some picturesque temples and churches like Kadri, Aloysius Chapel and many more.
Besides the exquisite locations, an added beauty for the city is its climate. Although summers are hot, they are bearable. Winter begins in December lasting till the end of February. It is pleasant during this period with temperatures staying low letting people enjoy hot coffee while sitting wrapped in warm clothes.
When it comes to seafood, I have to say no one can come close to what we have. We are the undisputed champions. A variety of food is served in restaurants and street food is lip-smacking. Overall, the city has everything that one needs and I love spending time there as it takes me back to some of my most cherished times.
Vocabulary:
- Influx- an arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things.
- Solitude- the state or situation of being alone
- Undisputed- not disputed or called in question; accepted
- Cherish- hold something dear
Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers
1. Why do people have a very strong bond with their hometown?
They say that home is where the heart is, and for most people, their hometowns are an important and integral part of their very personality. Whether they stir fond memories or sad ones, and whether you plan to return someday or not, your hometown played an important role in helping you become the person you are today.
2. What is the main reason for liking a hometown other than the fact you were born there?
In my perspective, we all love our hometowns, because we were born and raised there. I am personally used to this place and I have become very comfortable with it. I have created some very pleasant memories here – met friends, family, my first love, first academic achievements. In my hometown I was formed physiologically as an individual.
3. Do people with the same hometown have similar thinking and preference? Why? Why not?
That is not possible. I agree that people living in the same area might agree on something, but there is no way that people living in the same hometown would have a similar thinking. Even the people who are living in the same place would have conflicting views.
4. Many people do not live in their hometowns. Why?
I think it is more of a choice. The world has really come closer and we can go to any corner of it with just a plane ticket. More opportunities have opened up for people to explore. The young people have the time to take chance. They do not have any responsibilities. They are ready to put their heart on the sleeve, get out of their comfort zones and explore new things and people and places. Maybe, that is why they move out of their hometowns.
5. What can people do to improve their hometown even if they do not live there?
Help people paint and repair their homes. Volunteer to clean up trash around a neighbourhood whenever they visit. Create a mural that depicts values of your community. Set up an art exhibit at a local business, sell the creations, and use the money to fund a cause in your community, I think are some of the ways in which we can help people in our hometown even in their absence.
6. What changes do you think your hometown went through in the last ten years?
My hometown has changed in a predictable way. New technology and more people have changed the landscape. New wealth and more opportunity, and new home construction shows the increasing prosperity of the town. More industry, mor academic institutions of higher learning, and more professionals with global experience and aspirations are within every family’s reach now in my hometown.
