Monday, March 1, 2010

2/17 FRRO IV

Up before the sun.  Pretty much used to the substandard room.  Funny smells. No space.  Cold water.  Lots of noise.  Caught a local bus to Chennai. Clean, comfortable, and a great view - sooo much development.  Massive tank with a beautiful temple in the center right after Mamallapurum.  A huge beautiful pristine hospital complex.  Quite a few 20 story buildings in progress.  One Lotus Pond mixed use complex complete. Mamallapuram was kind of a seedy little tourist town.  Chennai Hotel room service was hilarious - a hot dog bun with jam and butter and tea in an ancient thermos - the tea was really good though .  Train ticket line was at least fifty people deep but they didn’t seem to mind.  The man at the inquiry window was so helpful  and kind when I said "Vanakam", he replied "Many late welcoming to you.":) and invited me behind the glass door. 
Wow so after four visits and a weeks wait, I get my visa officially extended.   Had a most amazing lunch with the best saag palak I have ever had.  And the gulab jamun - incredible.  Nice to be in a local restaurant.  Found the best samosa I've ever had on a side street and got on my overnite train for Cochin.    Spent the evening listening to a slightly overbearing but quite nice older accountant from Tamil Nadu.  Slept well in my little side berth anxious to get to Kerela;).

No comments:

Post a Comment