Incredible India
Trip Start
Aug 15, 2007
1
65
103
Trip End
Aug 31, 2008
Mamallapuram,
India
Friday, March 21, 2008
We are absolute lovers and still can't get over that first wow-feeling.
We admit that we were nervous before getting here having heard so many crazy stories....but the craziness is what makes it so charming.
When we arrived we experienced our first Indian head-wobble by the immigration guy and it definitely took us off guard not knowing if it meant yes or no....we now figure it means ok or something like that. It definitely is the most curious Indian tick and we have sometimes unconsciously copied it which then again causes confusion among the Indian.
Anyway, we love India because of :
- the colorful Saris
- the Indian's curiosity and friendliness - sometimes known as "the stare" the Indians seem to be very interested in the foreigners and we feel like celebs receiving big smiles, getting pictures taken, being welcomed with a handshake and long conversations
- Chai tea everywhere (Lesson of the day: we always thought chai tea was a special kind of tea, but in India it just means tea...what we know as chai is here masala chai = spiced tea)
- the Indian babies who for the most part are naked BUT where bangles all around...
Dirty Beach & Schoolkids
.- the delicious food incl. the South-Indian dosas, paratha, masala dishes etc...
Now to our first destination in India: We arrived in Chennai (formerly Madras) and decided to skip the 4th biggest city and head to Mamallapuram instead..a small coastal town 2 hours south. We figured we needed a soft acclimatisation period and Mamallapuram was ideal.
It's a backpacker's enclave with good restaurants and a very laid back vibe. The beach itself is kind of dirty but the stone carvings and temples scattered around town definitely worth a stop.
Since it is not appropriate to wear tight western clothing for women, we headed straight to the tailor to get some unflattering Alibaba-pants and wide tunics made..
We recommend:
- Le Yogi Cafe and renting a bike to explore town
