This is the first of my four business visits to Chennai. Chennai is an extraordinary city of rich religion and culture. From my short stay, I was able to experience the warm hospitality and taste the excellent local food. I also visited the places devastated by the 2004 tsunami, and witnessed the ruins the disaster brought to the people's life.
We arrived late in the night, and being a great host, our Indian counterpart offered us late supper at this wonderful restaurant called Dakshin. The food is simply fabulous.
C-o-c-o-n-u-t - One of many street vendors selling their produce at popular tourist attractions. Choice is made simpler without the cokes & sodas.
Power on the move - It is common to see females riding their 2-wheelers. What is unusual is the full mask but half helmet that she is wearing. Cool!
A popular shopping street, and it become extremely crowded at night and on weekends. I stood out amongst the locals, and for the first time, I feel like a celebrity.
Sugarcane seller with his improvised juice extractor. No I did not try it, as I do not have the courage and an iron stomach to taste it.
Jackfruit seller starting his day. There is no bag for takeaway. Do what the locals do. You pay, pull out the fruits, and start munching.
Got a light, Bro?
Nylon ropes. Strangely, the ropes are not in drums. What a tangled mess, and isn't life complicated enough?
Street art.This man took a section of the road and started painting, oblivious to the traffic and crowd. I did not stay to see him complete it, but I could imagine it was a masterpiece.
A typical meal, and this is consider a light serving. Thanks to the spices, my pants got tighter at the end of the trip. But I love it!
Chennai is known for its stainless steel kitchen utensils. There are loads and loads of wares, pots, plates, cups.... You name it, they have it.
The Five Rathas. This famous world heritage monolithic shrines was hit by the tsunami as it is close to the beach. Thankfully, no serious damage was done. According to the locals, the same site survived an even greater tsunami centuries ago.
Shore Temple
Bhima's Ratha
Yudhishtir's Ratha
Ajuna's Penance
Mahabalipuram Lighthouse - where goats roamed this place. I would too if I have such a wonderful view everyday.
Clay Sculpture, with its intricate details. Sadly, the maintenance of this place is falling short, and some of these sculptures have lost its bodies.
More sculptures lining the entrance to an amusement park
As hard as I try, I could not remember the reason why I was brought to this amusement park. Perhaps our associate friend think there is still a child inside me, and today is the day to re-live it.
Boys just wanna have fun
Part of Chennai Marina Beach, of 13km long. Fishing is their livelihood. In fact, a part of their catch are sent to Asia. Look at the waves, it is definitely not for the faint hearted.
Ok now, who is going in first? And remember, do not lose your trunk.
A sunny day. On weekends, the beach become a gathering for families and friends. The crowd could go up to tens of thousands. Ironically, swimming is prohibited because of the undercurrent danger, as advised by our guide.
For all the trials and difficulties the city endured after the tsunami strike, and with parts of the beachfront still in ruins, it is indeed heartening to see how well the heritage sites are restored to its glory state. Kudos to the people of Chennai!
And another travel trip awaiting....
