'I can't wait to explore Cubbon Park'

What impressed Jalyssa Roycroft, a native of Canada, most about Bengaluru was its cosmopolitan culture. She moved to the city from Calgary in Canada after she found love in a Bengalurean.

Jalyssa says Bengaluru has only redefined her views of herself and her life.

A social media manager and marketer with Jalyssa Taylor Concepts, she is also a yoga teacher.

She had never lived in any other place except Calgary where she grew up. “When I was growing up, I always told my parents that I would never live anywhere but Canada. However, the universe had other plans for me, and I ended up falling in love with someone who was raised in Bengaluru and has a family business here,” she says.

Elaborating on her decision to move here, Jalyssa says, “As my fiance didn’t have the flexibility of moving, I made the choice to move here. Lucky for him, I had been to India before and had fallen in love with the place before I fell in love with him, so that helped make the decision to settle here a little easier.”

“When I first came to India, I was backpacking through the country with my friend. We tried to stick to a small daily limit for food, travel and accommodation. The India we saw back then was the cultural, touristy and low-cost side of the country. So when I returned to Bengaluru and had a chance to go to the malls and restaurants, I was surprised to see how modern and upscale some parts of the city were,” she recalls.

She says that moving to Bengaluru completely altered her life. She had to leave behind her friends and family, and start afresh.

“This move is a big change in my life. I had to make new friends and adjust to a new diet and weather. In many ways, it has made me take on a new mindset and perspective,” she says.

Jalyssa has found her way around the city and has discovered some interesting places as well. Weekends are reserved for exploring the city and its gourmet culture.

“I go to Indiranagar on the weekends because Whitefield (where I stay) has limited restaurants and bars. My favourite restaurant is the ‘Phobidden Fruit’ in Indiranagar. I love Vietnamese food and the restaurant offers a nice mix of flavours,” she adds.

‘The Tao Terraces’ in 1 MG Mall, is another favourite haunt of hers. She likes the place for its soothing music and warm ambience.

She also enjoys shopping at VR Mall and Phoenix MarketCity.

“I’ve found everything I need here: ‘saris’, ‘lehengas’, Western outfits and gifts. I also go there to watch a movie once or twice a month and grab a bite.”
She has also taken a liking to Indian food.

“My only struggle with Indian food is getting used to the spice levels. It doesn’t agree with my stomach. A dish that I lose all control while eating is ‘paneer’ cooked in any manner. I look forward to ‘dosa’ for my breakfast on Sundays,” she says.

Travelling as always been an integral part of Jalyssa’s life. She has visited Varanasi, Rajasthan, Mumbai and spent a  considerable time beach-hopping in Goa.

“But the South has been my favourite, especially Kerala. Its serene backwaters and the tea-plantations in Munnar have been some of my favourite destinations. I also really enjoyed my trip to Auroville in Pondicherry. And locally, I can’t wait to explore Cubbon Park which I have heard so much about,” she adds.

As for her interest in yoga, it started three years ago in Calgary. She polished her skill after she came here.

“What started as a form of physical activity, quickly turned into a physical, mental and spiritual practice. I used to feel a lot of anxiety around small insignificant issues, and yoga helped me develop a stillness within me and helped me cope with those issues,” she says.

Jalyssa also wishes to bring her family here and show them the city.

“I want them to feel comfortable with my decision of wanting to build a new life in India. And I think visiting me will take away the misconceptions that they may have of the place,” she signs off.