Let me paint my happy place!
Chilling by the beach at that roadside bistro surrounded by the warm vibe, lively yet relaxing and a sense a calm amidst all the chatter . that's when I know I'm on a holiday! :)
And that kinda happens to be my office as well off late.. so i'm totally loving it!!!
Whilst working and the many coffees, it's a simple observation but it never gets old ..People are the happiest when they are on a holiday, they're out-going, chilled out, more patient, ready to strike a random conversation with a stranger or fellow traveler . It's extremely endearing. It just proves that we all need a break!! ( *wink*) Kidding, ofcourse, but we sure are a different person when we dawn the traveler hat
And invariably what you also see most travelers doing is being the 'travel - guru' . They all have a piece of trivia to share and if its new to you, they are just reassured of the fact that this is their calling! ;-) They have the most proud, beaming smile, It's cute! I have met people who are polar opposites once they set out. they kinda wear a halo which gives them the sense that this is their alter ego, this is what they're meant to do in life! and rightly so it's true in some cases. Well , I'm one of them, so I should know!
So here's that lil piece of trivia of La French ville - Pondicherry
Ok, so summers are HOT , and it can be extremely infuriating in south India. People complain, heck I am no exception to that ... but you know what it's summer, it's gonna be sooper HOT, we just have to get comfortable with the notion. You then learn to appreciate the simple joys of the summer breeze, the ocean, the trees and the shade and ofcourse mojitos! ( *wink* .. any alchohol really!)
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| Flowers and colors of Pondi |
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| Flowers and colors of Pondi |
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| Flowers and colors of Pondi |
That is why I fell in love with Pondicherry. The quaint little town by day and the equally alluring bars and cafes by night take you to land far off mainland India. The old world charm, french architecture, pretty flowers, friendly people introduces you to the warm Pondi culture. The streets are lined with beautiful trees that offer much respite from the glaring heat and the majority of the houses are in a old french colonial style. It’s truly hard to believe that you’re in India.
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| Our lady of immaculate conception Intricate details of french architecture |
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| Our lady of immaculate conception Intricate details of french architecture |
Being flanked by beach on one side and old historic buildings which now host some the best cafes , bars and restuarants with delectable cuisine and the street turning into local culture fare by night with live performances just adds to that WOW factor!
I was lucky to have had the opportunity to visit the historical home that my husband’s family once owned and was immediately taken to a different era. It was like backing up on a time machine. The beauty, the charm, the architecture completely gripped me and I was in awe.
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| That's my mum in law in front of their once owned heritage home. No 29!!! |
The best part of Pondicherry is that you can just go exploring by yourself through all the by-lanes and be smitten by ancient history and modern day 'south - Indian' touches
Food is the other important and vital aspect of travel that excites me and trust me you will not be disappointed. With breakfast cafes that produce some of the finest bakery foods – the breads, the cheesecakes, the croissants and the perfect cuppa coffee to exotic spreads of Seafood, steaks complete with some beer, some music, some conversations – the perfect evening in good ol Pondi.
Suit yourself with some fancy street shopping while you're out there. I love collecting souvenirs from the places I visit and there’s plenty of authentic options here. Beware of counterfeits though, preferably buy stuff from the boutiques . It also doubles up as bargain paradise for latest fashion and you can certainly pick a thing or two.
Hey, and while you’re on the road, don’t forget to check out the Pondicherry cops – they have some fancy hats. I want one of those!!! :)
All in all it’s a perfect road-trip from Chennai.
