Late post

Sunday, August 15, 2001, Chennai
10:36 India Time

Today was a fine one, but once again, tiring. Vacationing can be exhausting. This morning, after I finished blogging, Raja and I went out with the boys to buy some shorts for the Man Cub. Since it was raining, it was quite an adventure to get from place to place, even though we took the car. Remember, there are no sidewalks, so everything was a glushy lake of mud.

We bought MC his shorts, and they were already sick of being out. Raja suggested going to a sports store, but MC was complaining, so we skipped it and went out to buy some Indian sweets. He chose a selection as the kids and I stole a table from a young lady and her friends. There were so many sweets in this one shop that I couldn't believe it. I also think I saw a cockroach, but then I also saw several flies, and I know for a fact (I did a report in 5th grade) that cockroaches are cleaner than flies, so I just chalked it up to the Indian Experience (tm).

Raja stopped to get money from the bank, and the driver dropped him off at the coffee shop and drove us home (only about a block away.) We took the elevator up to the 6th floor and told everyone we had sold Raja to the gypsies for 50 rupees and three Indian flags. I finished up my second photo blog post and  chatted with Anni and the boys. Raja went back out and the four of us hung back at the flat, visiting and being social. After lunch, which included a cauliflower-pea dish which I found delicious (I'm sure a previously firey place is now sporting icicles), I took a short lie-down. I didn't sleep, but rested and cooled down. When I came out after freshening up, We hung out a bit more and called Raja, as Anni and I were going shopping, and we didn't want to bore the boys. Raja came home to go with us, but he brought cricket bats, and the boys decided to stay home and play, instead.

Me, dressed in Green and Orange to celebrate Indian Independence

On our way out shopping, we saw this family of four riding on a motorcycle.
Apparently, Anni, Raja and five of their other family members once rode on a
single scooter. Right after this was taken,  a man bumped right into our car. I looked at him and
realized he was completely blind. A completely blind old man was attempting to cross a busy street
in Chennai. Gee whiz! I did notice that a couple of the motorcycle families positioned
themselves aound him as if to afford him some protection.

Anni and I got in the car, and headed off for another sari place. I wanted to buy an "everyday" sari without a fancy border (pallu). If it weren't for Anni, I would have disappeared into this place, another huge fabric store. I ended up buying TWO saris: a purple one and a blue one. Then, I also had to buy blouse material. Still, both saris and blouses were still less than a thousand rupees. We then went out to wait for the driver. The streets were crazy. 

In front of the sari store. I was already dazed from the crowds, and all of the attention.

Folks just hanging out. waiting for cars, maybe?

Buses In Chennai are also crowded affairs.

After sari shopping, we went to look for jewelry. I didn't find much I really liked, but I bought TONS of bindis, and one necklace set that is just lovely. Anni insisted on buying me another one to go with the bangles her mom gave me for my birthday. They are very pretty. After this shop, we were tired and thirsty (not to mention we had to go to the bathroom, and believe me you NEVER want to go to the bathroom in a public place in India if you can help it) so we had the driver take us to Anni's hotel. Anni goes to India (and all over the world) quite often for work, and she stays in really amazing hotels for free. They also give her free food and drinks, so we went down to the bar and had some snacks (including some deicious beef, which I couldn't believe at first, but then I realized that 5-star hotels usually cater to Americans and Europeans, most of which are not Hindus. I did find it ironic, though, that some of the tenderest, most delicious beef I have ever tasted, I ate in India) and cool, refreshing beverages. Her husband joined us and we had quite an enjoyable conversation. When we had called earlier, Raja and the boys were napping, but we called again after a bit, and everyone was up and ready to go to dinner. Aunty decided to stay home, but Uncle, Anni, Raja the boys and I went to.....

McDonalds! At McDonald's in India, they only serve fish, chicken and veggie burgers. They also have a "burger" made entirely out of paneer (cheese.) They still serve awesome fries, soft drinks, ice cream and the like. In fact, look who came to visit (in the alleyway) when we were eating there?

Mooooo...You can't eat me!

I love cows. Don't you?
Regardless, be good.