Arriving in India

After months of preparation and a long flight from the U.S. to Brussels, Belgium and then to India, I have finally made it to Chennai. We arrived around midnight in Chennai and immediately the hot, humid air warns me of future hot, humid days. After getting my baggage and finding an ATM to get some cash, I found a taxi that would take me to my hotel. This taxi was a small and old van that looked like it came straight out of the 70's. As my driver gets into the right side of the van and I hop into the back I quickly realize that this taxi ride is going to be an adventure when I couldn't find a seat belt to secure me into the seat. Driving on the left side of the road is a different experience all on its own, but what made the trip most exciting was the apparent necessity to constantly honk your horn as you play "king of the road" with the other drivers. The city itself is massive with buildings right on top of each other and trash all over the streets. As we drew closer to the hotel, my driver stops near some rickshaw drivers to ask for specific directions to my hotel. I was slightly apprehensive with our unexpected stop, not knowing what to expect, the drivers did not seem completely confident in their directions as they disputed among themselves but eventually we continued in the direction they finally agreed upon. Halfway down the street we stopped again next to some police men to ask for directions this time we received a much clearer response since we were only three or four blocks away from the hotel and continued to our desire destination.

The hotel itself is small but very neat and clean. The complimentary breakfast this morning consisted of sticky rice, a crepe looking flat bread, and a mushy bread which were all served with a spicy curry dipping sauce or a spicy berry jam. The hotel feels safe and comfortable but I plan to venture out soon to see some sites such as the Santhome Cathedral Basilica which is supposedly built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.