To Chennai and Back - Part 2

My first visit to India, now the real magic and charm begins.......

So, having found some clothing to fit (I am not saying suitable as the colours and combinations made me look a little like a die-hard 1970's glam rock fan!), the journey to Pondicherry began.

At the time I was travelling, we took the old coast road - 8 or 9 hours along one of the most beautuful but sadly devestated coastlines after the Tsunami struck on 26 December 2004. My first article date was incorrect, it was March 2005 when my adventure began.

Whilst Thailand was so badly affected by the Tsunami irrepairable damage was inflicted on the people, places, property and livelihoods of the people here as well. In fact, to this day, much of the damage done by nature's vengeance remains.

I had been warned be careful as the coast road was one where bandits could ambush and rob tourists and take their possessions. Not over concerned unless they wanted my lap top and dirty washing - which was most of what I had with me now. We travelled along this wonderful route seeing real India and the extreme conditions people were happily living in. I was even spoiled with a stop-off at one of the great Hindu temples on the way - The Manakula Vinayagar Temple. If you get the chance to visit, the feeling of tranqulity and passion so so many people have for Hinduism is a real eye opener. This temple is dedicated to Ganesa and as I was meeting the Operations Manager for our site in Pondi - named Ganesh, I felt it was a good omen for my trip.

It was a great experience and on later visits I had the pleasure to visit this and many other temples, fortresses, museums and other valued places of historical importance across India. I will share some in later tales.

We arrived into Pondi just before 7pm Indian Time. We drove through some well-lit busy streets, really absorbing me in the culture and captivating me in the passion India offers. We then turned onto the main coastline street in Pondicherry and drove along passing many beautiful and eye catching buildings, temples and features combining the mystery and mysticque of India, along with the subtle artistic bias and influences that remained here from the days as a French colony. I have previously visited Goa on vacation with family and friends in 1999, but this was truly a whole new experience to savour and relish.

Architecture, cuisine, street names, shops, stores and much much more remain a long-term fusion to remain and make Pondicherry unique as a place to visit and stay in India.

I stayed at the Hotel my company had organised for me - Hotel Annamalai. I entered the front of the hotel from a busy street with lots of cars, motorcycles and bikes and it was like stepping back in time. A luxurious looking large seating area greeted me. Large carved wooden elephants to greet and a large doorman wearing a turban and traditional Indian dress. The internal lift was glass, beautiful water features and seating areas for people to appreciate the beauty. The hotel was very cheap compared to European prices and most welcoming. I was in awe and so happy to have experienced this inner beauty.

My colleagues called to see all was well and left me to rest for the evening. I retired to a small darkened bar area and had a couple of cold Kingfisher beers along with trying some of the local snacks on offer.

Whether you choose vegetarian or non-veg, you will not be disappointed. Spices are somewhat more evident than in the UK but you tend to adjust as you take time to climatise. In Pondi, you must savour some of the unbelievable local dishes - especially the fish dishes they serve. Also, as well as experiencing traditional Indian flavours, the breads and many other dishes have a strong French influence making them even more appetising and wonderful to savour. There is certainly magic in the variety and combinations of East meets West with French and Indian cuisine bonding beautifully.

I sat and enjoyed my meal and drink. Although alone, Indian hospitality, inquisitivity and friendliness soon meant I was talking and socialising with both hotel staff and other people in the bar. I spent a pleasant hour or so before heading back to my room for some sleep and preparation for presenting Health and Safety training tomorrow.

My room was very clean, spacious and in the humid warmth of Chennai in March, the cold tiled floor and overhead circulatory fan provided me with a lovely cool sleeping environment. I had arrived and settled on a very clean and comfortable bed for a deep sleep to ensure I was ready and well recharged for the morning and next stage of my adventure. More to follow on this. I hope you enjoy these small bites.