My husband is going to Chennai next week on business, and will have the weekend to explore a bit. Anyone have suggestions for him on places to visit, things to do? He'll have a car (and apparently, a driver as well)

Thanks!

Larry, you lucky dog!! I have always wanted to go to India!! (Steve says if I can get thru a week in the summer in NYC without constantly bitching about the heat, then we could consider a trip to India.) Ask Larry to take lots of notes (especially about the weather and if there are lots of vegetarian options in the restaurants). - - Just what he wanted, I'm sure - an assignment from Pauline.

After getting four shots and picking up his scrip for Malaria pills, he's somewhat less enthusiastic about traveling 17,000 miles in less than a week. But yeah, very cool opportunity. He's probably going to Goa in a few months, as well. (I'm just thrilled about the ff miles)

Amy,
Madurai, south of Chennai (Madras), has fantastic temples. Best place to see Hindu temples. There's a Gandhi museum in Madurai, also.

Pauline,
South India has wonderful and abundant vegetarian food! Mm-m-m, mouth watering. We first had dosas in Madurai--large flat pancake made of lentil flour (usually) and filled with various fillings (usually potato) and served with coconut chutney. Mm-m-m.

Wish we could go back to India, but don't know if we have the stamina, now.

Charity

Thanks, Charity. Larry will be going to Mahabalipuram tomorrow, as well as an artist's village nearby.

He reports that the food is wonderful, the weather's hot, the streets unbelievably crowded and chaotic; and he's very, very glad he has a driver. This from the man who thinks nothing of driving in Rome.

Oh, and he bought me a blue silk scarf with silver embroidery.

I heard that the tsunami did some damage to Mahabalipuram. We visited there in 1983. The carvings are very interesting. I'd be interested to hear from Larry about the extent of the damage, and if he found the site of interest.

I'm sure your silk scarf will be wonderful!

Bill bought a pair of silver tinkly ankle bracelets for me when we were in Madras. When we arrived home to Galveston, Hurricane Alicia had destroyed our apartment several days earlier. Friends had moved our soggy belongings into someone's garage.

Bill and I slept at the home of friends and went to the garage each day to see what could be salvaged from our belongings. We padded around in this heat and humidity among the soggy physical remnants of our life together. The air was physically miserable and dispiriting. But, I put on my tinkly silver ankle bracelets each day, and they cheered me immensely as they jingled with each step I took.

Charity

Here's a photo Larry took at Mahabalipuram.

And another.

Oh, my. He bought me a silk saree shawl.

Amy, that is beautiful. Larry did a great job selecting it. Thank you also for posting the great pictures. I'm getting very intrigued with India.