haran.org: Chennai (Mar.5-8, 13)

Stepping out of the airport, a change of plans meant my sister's friend's husband picked me up. I didn't know that, or what he looked like; and he had a vague description of what I looked like. So he wrote my name on a piece of paper and held it up as people walked out of the gates. I saw it and nodded in appreciation. After getting into the car it occurred to me that I still hadn't confirmed this was who was supposed to be picking me up. Basically if anyone had held a paper with my name I would've gotten into a car with them.

Of course that would be crazy though; who would get a passenger manifest and stand outside the airport waiting with their name written on a piece of paper? I would. I think it would be hilarious, in that kidnapping sort of way.

But I digress. To fully immerse yourself in the India portion of this travelblog, you need to experience not only the sights and sounds via photos and videos, but the smell as well. This works best if you're a student and already renting some grimy basement apartment. To recreate Chennai you need a week's preparation. Start by cranking the heat up to 35 degrees, and with the aid of a humidifier get the humidity up to 90+%. Then keep the bathroom door always open, the window closed, and stop flushing the toilet. And instead of making the effort of getting to the bathroom to pee, just choose one or two corners of your house, and relieve yourself there. And then throw a party, ensure that there's at least double the legal fire code number of people in your house.

Then come back and read this. Of course this is a vast generalization based on a very limited exposure to the hustle and bustle of Chennai. But it is an acceptable practice for men to pee on the side of the road, just off the sidewalk. And that contributes greatly to the "ambiance" that you can replicate in the comfort of your home using the directions above.

The plan was to meet up with my sister in India, travel a bit here, and then head back to Sri Lanka for another week of traveling. Our flights were fairly well co-ordinated, but I flew into Chennai in the morning and she would land in the evening. So I went with Deepa & Suresh to pick her up. On the way to the airport we stopped in at a jive party that they had planned on attending. It was a really cool rooftop party hosted by a jive teacher. There were a few intermissions where hiphop was played, and myself and one other hiphop-veteran/jive-virgin would get up and dance for a bit. It struck me at the time that it was basically a typical Revolution night just transposed a few thousand kilometers. A crowd of 90% 'brown' Indians and a grabbag of "east asian" Indians & white folk bopped around to "Addicted." Seeing the experienced Jive teacher lead just about any random girl on the dance floor in a complicated routine reminded me of watching all the locals at the Dominican club that did the same but with Salsa & Merengue. Makes me want to learn how to do that, but my two right feet make that impossible.

Much of the time in Chennai was spent shopping. Saris & such. I was a reluctant participant in these affairs as it was far too hot and muggy outside during the day to just wander about.

I did capture this scene outside of one store. It's a good thing there are no unions.

On Sunday we went to the Kebob Factory, which is basically a buffet for lazy people. The unlimited quantities of food are brought to you. I want this exact restaurant in T.O. The food is outstanding, so delicious, and you don't waste precious calories getting up to obtain more food. I highly recommend it.

Of course, when driving a car in India, women want a gasoline that's strong enough for a man, but pH balanced for her.