Our Residence No. 2

In the beginning of May, we bid goodbye to the one-bed apartment that sheltered us for the past three years - rooms with a  corniche view but a kitchen with no view, rather so dark and dreary that I needed electric light at mid-day. It depressed me no end to the latter part of our stay, with lack of gainful employment adding to the misery.
As we began looking out for a new abode, my conditions were that all the rooms should receive natural sunlight, have built-in cupboards and a balcony. The rent had to match too, so we werent too hopeful. But as luck would have it, we discovered that a family was planning to move out of a quaint old building across the street. It had all three of the clauses we had been looking for, but no car park or swimming pool inside unlike a couple of others we had shortlisted.
Wisdom prevailed, not in a small measure on account of the rent. Moreover, those who heard about our move said it was a privilege to live in there and to look  no further - an Emirati landlord which meant electricity tariff was lower and no hidden charges like in buildings managed by real estate. V said in jest that the lobby looked like a haunted house with its dark wooden panelling, antique looking lampshades and chandeliers, paintings of an era long gone past, and regal but not loud chairs. The apartment was perfect - a spacious hall with wooden cornices, light fixtures carefully and tastefully chosen, a splendid view of the corniche from the hall and bedroom, a view of the sea from the other bedroom and kitchen balcony. There was a storeroom to boot.
In summers, sunlight greets the kitchen by 5.30 am and leaves reluctantly past 7 pm. Since the kitchen faces west, sun light doesnt bother me in the morning as I cook; the plus point is that I can leisurely put the clothes for washing as the sun rays fall on the balcony after 1 p.m. And they are dry by evening. The sea breeze is an added joy.
These may not seem great to people living in airy traditional houses in Kerala but for those of us constrained by space in big cities, these seem such a boon. Especially here where many building planners have not bothered about providing sunlight in the kitchen or bath.
Now for some potted plants in the balcony to make the scene complete :)