Mini-Vacation: Pondicherry

Following our case study, my group decided to go on a mini-vacation on Pondicherry. It was absolutely magical. It was so nice to be away from the noise and honking of cars in Bangalore and just to have peace and quiet and a laidback pace of life for a few days. We stayed at Pondicherry for two nights and one full day and mainly visited the Ashram, shopped in a traditional handicrafts fair, spent a good amount of time at the beach and ate amazing food, including "forbidden" foods such as steak and fish!!

A few snapshots of Pondicherry:

• Sunrise at Pondicherry - Woke up at 5:45am and strolled over to the beach to witness an absolutely breathtaking sunrise. Colors changed from black --> gray --> dark blue --> red/orange --> brilliant rays of sun peaking out from behind white clouds against a blue sky --> glaring brilliant (and hot!) sunshine. Words will do no justice and will therefore leave you all in suspense until I can show you photos when I get back. :)
• French colonial influence on Pondicherry - colonial colors of buildings, such as tan, cream, and blue. Also, many European-styled balconies. Lots of French words everywhere. Many places were bilingual in French and the local language.
• The Flute-Seller - I'd never seen one person carry so many flutes in my life! The flute-seller that I saw had flutes lined up in circles similar to the sides of a cup and was carrying them on his back. However, the craziest thing was that within this "cup" of flutes were more flutes inside, and even more flutes inside this inner "cup." Of course, while carrying all of this, the flute-seller was also playing a flute to advertise his goods. I am so amazed by the strength and skill of the local crafts sellers in India.
• A scene on the beach - After a very refreshing shower, I went to sit at the beach and just enjoy the moment. I remember... the sounds of a flute floating over the sand from the flute-seller, the beating of the waves on the shore and the cool breeze on my face and in my hair, the gentle tones and chatter of the people around me, kids' shouts from the playground behind me, the melodic voices of the people trying to sell fresh flowers, candies or other products... A very sensually-stimulating and relaxing experience.