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Friday, February 12, 2010

And I love Chennai...

I just cannot continue with my other posts without completing my India series..

Home is where the heart is and no matter where it is and how it is, there is something that draws you towards home. Well, these are a few of my favorite things...

1. Filter coffee: I know how picky everybody is about coffee, but I have almost quit coffee since I left Chennai. It has to be this good else no thank you! :) Served traditionally in a steel 'tumbler' and a 'dabara' bottom.

**
2. Tender coconut: You get this about everywhere in south India. The refreshing sweet water in a tender coconut makes it a health and useful drink in summer (which is what Chennai weather consists of all year! :))


3. Food: A traditional meal on the banana leaf to its modern version on plate, I love them all. This could be a typical lunch or dinner. Our breakfast is only slightly less complicated!



4. Mehendi: Ok I cheated, this is typically not from Chennai, but I still get the henna tattoo done every time I am there. I did this design on a friend's palm.


5. Knick- knack shopping: The perfect place to shop those tiny things you always wanted but could never find. Ah! the joy of shopping on small alleys and the art of bargaining (or the lack there of :)).


6. Movies: There are more movies released in India per year than in the rest of the world. Oh no! I am not even trying to compare their qualities, but we Indians loove to watch movies. Chennai has several multiplexes and theaters for such crazy people. I watched this amazing movie called "3-Idiots" this time with 9 of my family members.


7. Marina beach: One of the best places to hang out in Chennai for free. Preferably in the mornings, to watch the glorious sun rise before the city awakes. This place has just so many memories.


8. Nature: The Vedanthangal bird sanctuary is a much needed breather. About two hours from our home you reach this wonderful gift of nature where birds from all over the world migrate to, during the winter.


9. Silk sarees: These drape around piece of cloth is among the most prestigious possessions of a women. The grand onces are worn for special occasions, but simple ones are worn everyday. You must try wearing one! They are one of the most elegant pieces of garment for a women.

***

10. More elephants: I just love them..:)


Picture Courtesy:
** www.wikipedia.org
***www.bharanipattu.in

6 comments:

Orange said...

Nice post..took me down the memory lane. I was a bit surprised when I saw the "Chennai Coffee style" for the first time, but I really enjoyed the taste. I also look forward to gulping down lots of coconut water when I am there:)

Unknown said...

u just made me soooo sad... i wanna go home too:(

P.S: u missed out the marghazi masam kolams:)

~ Lopa said...

hahaha your post reminds me of Chennai description in "2 States" by Chetan Bhagat, reading your post i believe that Chetan Bhagat really talked about Chennai in there ;)

I have never been to Chennai ! :(

vinaya said...

perfect description abt chennai :) missing home :(

thamarai said...

Orangesplaash, thanks..:) I love the coffee..I think its mostly like cappuccino..

Akhi Di, I swear I thought about the kolam..I just cdnt get a decent picture..so left it..I am sure you will be travelling soon..:)

Lopa, I have the book in my hand..will be reading it soon..I have never been to Gujarath you know! :(..I simply loove Gujju food..

Vinaya, thanks madam..hope you visit soon..:)

marina said...

Hi Thamarai,

Home surely is where the heart is. And I'm just a very big Filter Coffee fan. I hated getting up early in the morning and heading to Coffee House and then waiting in line for my cup of "Kappi".
So I brought a Fresh And Honest Coffee Machine for my office. Its more than just satisfying, believe me.
I just wanted you to Checkout the type of machines that meet your business needs/ personal machines for top corporate management or even your homes at http://www.fresh-honest.com/

Thanks Again
Marina Lobo

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