Just take a moment to think about how many families and extended families are sharing each one of the spaces under the many squares and rectangles. Now think about the average size of an American family (of 2.6) and the space they on average share.
Ah-ha.
After a brief layover at Mumbai, we were off again. In leaving the area I saw the part of Mumbai which at night is called the Queen's pearl necklace, due to its shape and lights. It was the day, however, so you can really only appreciate the shape. A bit hazey though.
Along the way mummy tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Look we're flying over India." We shared a laugh, andI took a snap as it was a lovely sight.
On approach to Chennai I saw several of these massive water-filled pits carved out of small hills. I can only guess they were once quarries.
And here is Chennai...
Our plane touched down in Chennai (also known as Madras), a little after 11am. We were greeted by Surnish's masi (mother's sister) Nitu. She and mummy tearfully embraced as they had not seen each other for quite a few years.
It was touching to see the way they held hands and smiled as they sat chatting on the car ride home. Family means so much to so many here. No matter the distance and time.
The most noticeable difference about Chennai was the rain. While the north has just acme through their rainy season, the south is in the middle of theirs.
Lovely, life giving rain.
Of course there are other noticeable differences. Much larger more modern billboards advertising much more expensive items than in Ahmedabad. Many more sleek looking buildings. And there are many more very dark complexioned people. Most north Indians descended from Persian and Aryan peoples, so their complexions are quite a bit fairer. Many of the southern Indians are descended from Dravidians. They also speak Tamil down here.
After an afternoon of catching up and napping at Nitu-didi's, I met with some friends of Surnish and mine from the states who had moved back here last year.
Say hello to Anu, Vinod and their daughter Kavya. Thanks for obliging me with the snap!
The three adults went to dinner at Southern Spice restaurant at the Taj hotel in Chennai. The food was delicious and was paired with great conversation.
We did struggle a bit over the melodious noise of the live performers, whom I was told were playing traditional south Indian music, which is typified, apparently, by the use of a flute in addition to the strings and drums that are so common in Indian sounds.
After dinner, Anu treated me to a fortune reading by a parrot and its handler.
The card the bird picked for me produced a decal of Ganesh and I was subsequently told that I was a very lucky person, in addition to being compassionate, kind and good hearted. I was duly impressed with the bird's selection skills and felt this to be a particularly auspicious reading as the bird had pooped while selecting my card. The tally is now stands at 2 times that I've been presented with bird poop since I've been in India. I'm glad it wasn't on my head this time!
Peace,
A Pink American
