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;).
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