Park Confusion

Today, our family went back to the same park we went the other day with our friends: Joggers Park. In a city of 5 million people, green grass is scarce, so this park is a treasure because it has a semi-big grassy area. We were wanting to get the kids outside to run and play for a while because apartment-living means they are inside quite a bit so we decided to go play soccer at the park.

Funny fact: All parks in Pune are closed every day from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for no apparent reason. That's just the rule..even though those are prime playing hours!!

You also have to pay to get into the park...

I didn't know that last time but today I was prepared. It cost 20 rupees per person the other day when we went (which is a little less than 50 cents) but today when we got there, the man told me that it was 3 rupees total. (mere pennies). I kept asking him to clarify because I was so confused and he kept telling me, "yes- only 3 rupees." "Okay, great!" I thought. But then he throws in, "No balls allowed" and points to Bennett's soccer ball. "No balls?" I ask. "Why?"

"No balls," he just keeps repeating. Okay...well, now this really makes no sense. Where else in a city would you go to play soccer? Plus, we brought a ball the other day when we came and played with it and there was no rule about balls aaaand I can see other people out on the grassy area playing ball??? But we complied and... no soccer! Bennett was not a happy camper!

That just gives you a little glimpse of India in a nutshell! :) The price to get into the park is whatever the guy at the gate wants it to be that day and if he wants to make a rule about a ball- then he can. You just have to roll with it!