Visakhapatnam Vibes: Drum Beats, Sea Breezes & Random Chaos

okay, so here i am in visakhapatnam, and honestly, the weather's doing that thing where it feels like the sky's hugging you a little too tight. temp's sitting at 18°C, but with 91% humidity, it's more like walking through a warm cloud. not bad, just... damp. i just checked and it's 18.02°C there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.

anyway, i'm here as a touring session drummer, which means my days are a mix of soundchecks, dodgy hotel breakfasts, and trying to find a decent espresso before soundcheck. the locals? super chill. i overheard someone say the best filter coffee is at this tiny place near the beach, but i can't remember the name. classic.

"you haven't seen visakhapatnam till you've watched the sunrise from rama krishna beach,"

said a drunk guy at a bar last night. i'm taking that as gospel.

i've been crashing near the city center, which is perfect because everything's within walking distance-or at least stumbling distance after a gig. the streets are alive with color, chaos, and the smell of frying pakoras. i keep spotting these old colonial buildings squeezed between modern glass towers, like they're playing hide-and-seek with time.

*RK Beach is where i've spent most mornings, watching fishermen haul in their nets while i sip chai and pretend to practice rudiments on my lap. it's oddly meditative. if you get bored, vijayawada and vizianagaram are just a short drive away.

food-wise, i've been living off street snacks. someone told me that the best bhel puri in town is sold by a guy with a cart near the submarine museum. i haven't found him yet, but i'm on the hunt. also, i keep hearing rumors about a secret biryani joint that only opens after 11pm. i'll report back if i find it.

last night, after a gig at some rooftop bar i can't pronounce, i ended up in a late-night auto rickshaw debate about whether the city's best achaar comes from the old town or the new. i still don't know, but i ate both and my stomach's still negotiating.

anyway, here's a little map so you don't get as lost as i did trying to find that submarine museum:

i've also been told the kailasagiri hill park* has the best sunset views, but i keep oversleeping. maybe tomorrow. or maybe i'll just find another beach and a better cup of coffee.

if you're into offbeat travel, check out tripadvisor's vizag guide or yelp's vizag listings for some real local tips. or just wander until you find a beach and a drum circle. either works.

more updates when i find that mythical biryani guy or figure out how to tune my snare in 90% humidity. probably the latter first.