Vox Britannica!

PUNE, June 19: Everything about him is propah British. The deep voice, the heavy accent, the wry sense of humour and, of course, the typical...

PUNE, June 19: Everything about him is propah British. The deep voice, the heavy accent, the wry sense of humour and, of course, the typical British name – John Holt. Peering at you with his light grey eyes, that crinkle at the slightest pretext of a smile, the tall blond reveals that he is more of a permanent visitor to Pune than a permanent resident. “But considering that I come to the place at least thrice a year, I guess I do know as much about the place as the foreigner next door.”

Having first stepped foot on Puneri soil three years ago, when his sister-in-law passed away, Holt decided to rent a flat in Kalyaninagar, as he knew that he and his wife would henceforth be regular visitors to Pune to meet his mother-in-law, who lives here alone.

And though he insists he has not gone around town much, Holt has visited a couple of Maharashtrian and Kokani restaurants in town, having developed a liking for Indian food. “The best thing about Pune is its pleasant climate. It is also a good centre for travelling to other parts of the country” says the Briton.

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And what does he dislike about the city. “Ah,” he throws his hands up and rolls his eyeballs. “It’s so difficult to get things done around here. Like getting a gas connection. I was told there is a special scheme for foreigners for getting a connection, so I went all the way to the head office, where I was informed that the scheme did exist, but had been suspended till September! I have discovered that the easiest way to get anything official done here is to go about it the unofficial way!”

Holt is also not exactly charmed by the town’s penchant for afternoon siestas. “You have had it if you can’t do your work before one o’clock. It is a sleepy little town,” says the man who is used to London’s bustling shopping arcades, where he owns a retail shop. “Also, the traffic seems to work on the principal of anything goes’. But at least it’s slow, which makes it easier to be tackled.” Little wonder then that though John wishes he could spend more time here, he would much rather keep his base in organised ol’ London. Wise decision, huh?