So I did it.
I have wanted to get off of the main streets and get a little more
personal interaction with the people here in Chennai that I have seen from
inside the car, today I had my chance.
As I mentioned in my earlier e-mail, we took the day off, I had no
specific plans but I decided to go and get some pictures of the things
that make Chennai unique. I hired a driver from the hotel ($20US for 5
hours).
First I wanted to hit a local market, not a VONS or Whole Foods, where
the
local people come to shop. Boy howdy, I found it.
Being a Sunday apparently they sell "Veg" and "non-Veg" food (i.e.
fruit
and veggies and meat). I have never smelled a third world meat market
before, and now I can see the alure of being vegitarian. It stank
something fierce..the fish, the chickens, ducks, etc. I don't know how I
made it through without throwing up but I did. I saw so many types of
food and things that I have never seen before. They had piles and piles
of garlic and onions, herbs and spices, pomegrantes, apples, oranges,
bananas and the leaves from the plant (which they use to wrap food in),
grapes. I took tons of pictures of the people in the market, and the
items they were selling. They were all very happy to have their pictures
taken.
After the market we went in search of a roadside coconut stand. There
are
little hand carts that people push around and have loaded with coconuts.
The idea is you go to the cart, ask for a coconut, they cut one open for
you fresh, hand you the coconut with a straw, and you give them 5 Rupees
(about $.10). I didn't drink the coconut, I instead gave it to my driver
(Shankaar).
Next we went in search of a cow. We found one fairly close pulling a
cart
full of bricks.
Next we went toward the beach. Apparently the beach is one of the
longest
beaches in the world (Along the Bay of Bengal). The beach may be long,
but it's no Malibu or Pacific Beach. The normal salty tang of the air was
overshadowed by the garbage and filth in the water and on land. I
actually (against my better judgement) went all the way to the waters edge
to take some pictures. I also stopped and bought some shells from a small
stand near the coast.
Next I asked that we go by a shop that sold musical instruments, but
they
were closed for the day. Next the driver took it upon himself to take me
by the government owned store. The store was five stories tall and had a
floor of just carpets, one of just cloth and clothing, one of wooden
items, one of sculptures and carvings, and one of other goodies. I bought
way too many things. Oops I almost forgot they also have a basement where
they have jewelry (very nice stuff). Apparently they had me pretty well
figured out. I ended up buying a carpet (if they can sell you a carpet
youre their new best friend). Jane, we'll have to figure out where we
can put it.
All in all a very good day for people watching and seeing new sites.
After the market I think I can hopefully deal with Calcutta.
Pictures have been posted to the same place
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