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Moments
in the Madras
Chennai (formerly Madras) was a stopping point for our journeys.
To me, I'll always remember the hot shower (first Western style
shower I had in a week, with plenty of hot water) and the efficient
and friendly service at the Le Meridien where I had the only Stoli-O
of the whole trip. Chennai is also where I experienced the thrill
of saree shopping. It is simply fascinating to spend time in an
emporium with so many thousands of designs, styles, and patterns
flagrantly unfurled and temptingly displayed before you eyes in
a carnaval of color. Then, just as suddenly, the saree is snapped
back, neatly folded, and placed back into a stack in some incomprehensible
order. Women patiently watch and wait only to then make quick and
discreet movements to signal their approval or dislike. It's a display
of consumerism at its highest form of interaction. Except for their
impracticality in winter, they are so beautiful and expressive that
I cannot understand why I don't see more Indian women in the U.S.
in sarees.
Chennai seemed, to the visitor, a patchwork of a city. Every turn
of the street seems to bring you to somewhere else, somewhere not
in Chennai. At least it’s decently organized on the direction
signs. There wasn't much of notice to see in the city unless you
looked for it. The strip developed along the beach in the city was
clean and beautiful. The traffic, on the other hand, was nauseating.
The stench of smog mixed with a hot, humid, tropical climate made
it unbearable with the windows open. I guess that’s why the
hotel is an oasis of cool, clean, fresh air. The Sheraton Chola
was so nice to come back to after a day in the city or even in the
countryside.
So, visit Chennai, if only for a short while. It’s beautiful
and well positioned for access to the rest of South India. The airport
is a breeze compared to some of the others and much cleaner. (You
hear that Bombay Airports Authority?)
Picture Info
We drove around Chennai alot and seemed always stuck in
traffic, except outside the city. Amazingly, as the picture shows,
the city just abruptly ends and you see agricultural production
for miles around you. Interestingly, the local famers and tenant
farmers dry, sort, and process, their wheat right on the roadway.
It's not like anyone is really driving that road anyway. As a frame
of refrence, in the rural picture, Chennai city is just about 15
minutes away (that's only about 4-5 miles on Indian roadways). Ajay's
mother and I drove around the city briefly one afternoon and went
the the small Church of St. Thomas Mount.
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