There’s nothing quite like stepping into Chennai after dark. For one it is much cooler and for another the noise and chaos are on another level! Horns continue to blare through the night and trying to weave through gaps that don’t exist, due to the volume of traffic makes crossing roads quite perilous. Although we have had a lot of kindness and help navigating it all. Then once onto the pavement, it is then how to allude the occasional stray dog trotting. They look harmless but…
We slipped into the flow, dodging traffic and tail-waggers alike.
It was lovely walking through the little alleyways. Narrow lanes where the scent of fresh tiffin drifted out of tiny kitchens, idlis steaming, dosas crisping, chutneys being ground somewhere behind half‑open doors.
At other times we would be hit with some rather putrid smells.
Eventually, we found the Cheers Bar. Inside, neon lights glowed, cricket murmured from a TV in the corner, and I quickly realized I was the only woman in the room. A few surprised glances, then the universal language of hospitality kicked in, a nod, a smile, a seat offered.
The men were all business men and I could see where the whiskey goes! Massive measures.
And then came the moment, our first Kingfisher beers of the holiday.
Cold, crisp, and exactly what the Chennai heat demands.
They arrived with a spread of Indian-style tapas, crisps,cucumber, watermelon and lentil dumplings (Paruppu Urundai Kuzhambu in a spicy tamarind sauce).
We have been avoiding fresh fruit and vegetables as they can carry bugs, are washed in water our delicate stomachs may not cope with. I don’t want either of us succumb to any stomach issues. We are not missing out as they is such wide array of veggies cooked, so it is all good!
It does feel like a male dominated society. But apparently women in Chennai experience a mix of growing opportunities and ongoing challenges. We passed lots of women only hostels and universities today, which means more opportunities in the job market. But there are still issues around safety and mobility, there are women only buses,the police are trying to be more visible but night time mobility issue.
On the way back to the hotel we were stopped by a group of five women in blue sari’s who wanted their photo taken, but what I didn’t know was they wanted us in it. So on a crossing between two roads I had a selfie with these women. It was very odd. When I asked why they wanted a photo, a shaven haired woman said they were cleaners. None of which made sense. But they did help us across the road!
On reflection we haven’t seen any white people at all. So maybe it was linked to this!
HOORAY!!!!!
We had a call at 5.30am – our bags had arrived. I had been really upset, as Annie had made up a great present of useful holiday essentials, which must have taken time. I would have hated to lose that. Luckily the anti diarrhea tablets came in handy!
Also Pete has his clothes!!!
The man who brought the bags insisted on a tip, which was really, really annoying. Adding insult to injury!
I didn’t go back to sleep, so when Param arrived I felt quite sleep deprived. Added to that despite my best efforts my stomach wasn’t feeling its best. This was confirmed when he had to stop the car while I projectile vomited on the pavement.
Param has the habit of punctuating his sentences with yes yes. What have you eaten. Omelette I say. Standing scrutinising my vomit. Yes yes,all up now, good!
We continued along the coast road, distinctly different from the city. Close proximity to the sea. Massive houses, all with swimming pools. A number of theme parks, one which sounded like Disney but was Dizzy. Passing the crocodile centre, which we didn’t want to stop for.
We passed the Government Sculpture College. The area historically famous for stone carving. Students spending between 4 and 5 years honing their skills. The road leading to the UNESCO site was lined with workshops. Param stopped for us to see them more closely.
When we reached the Monuments at Mahabalipuram we were greeted by Gopal, who would be our knowledgeable guide. It a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. An ancient complex of stone‑cut temples, monolithic rathas, and bas‑reliefs.
Standing guard over the Bay of Bengal for more than 1,300 years. Gopal was amazing, he knew so much and we bombarded him with one question after another.
After this we headed back, stopping on the way at a Gurdwara. Shoes off, head covered, walking through water before we could enter.
After a long nap in the afternoon we went across town to the Aroma restaurant, which was very tasty. Pete marvelled at my haggling skills with the tuk tuk drivers.
Random Acts of Travelling 