Chennai blog TWO

Hey again!!!
I have some free time before I go to bed tonight, so I Thought I might write a more detailed blog about my day today .

Following my somewhat scary/confusing/lonely night came a really hot awesome day ! I met so many wonderful Indian people who all wanted to show me their humble town. They are very proud of it, and all insist that it is the safest friendliest place in India. I would be lying to call it beautiful to the eye, but I have found things within it that are beautiful. Both superficially as well as culturally. ( I have also found many things that are extemely unbeautiful such as icky dogs, garbage filled sidewalks, potholed roads, dirty air, no wait, dirty everything!!)

The temples that I went to were, as everything else is in this city, humble and hardly comparable to the huge ruins of temples that I've seen in so many other great places, but to enter a temple and be completely accepted and welcomed is lovely also. There were , of course, beautiful elements to each temple. I took pictures from the outside but photos from the inside are strictly forbidden. I had to take my shoes off (the sun -stricken pavement is SO HOT), and gosh how I wish I were wearing a Sari. Just to fit in a little better!!! But it didn't stop them all from smiling at me, and the kids loved running up to me to practice their english.

When I walked into the first temple of the day, a woman immediately stood up and put a red clay dot on my forehead. I liked it =) It was different and something I've never experienced before. After that she instructed me to take my shoes off, and sent m e on my way. I did take a picture on the outside of this one GORGEOUS rainbow temple, but the photo doesn't do it justice. The photo just looks like another carved out building, but to see the detailing and creative colours at work... wow! I couldn't stop staring at the sculptures.

After that I had sort of a weird, magical moment with a woman. She looked at me just like they all look at me in this town, at first taken aback by my physical differences, then curious, then just a kind smile as they turn away. This one woman though, she kept that curious enchanted look on her face and put her hand o ut to mine. What else could I do but take it? So I was holding this beautiful woman's hand. She was wearing this long silken red and gold Sari and had long silky black hair. She held my hand and took me all the way through the temple without saying a word, or even looking at me really. Just the occasional glace and shy smile. I'm not sure why she did this, but it was interesting and I liked her silent company. Then she smiled at me and let my hand go and waved as I walked back to my tuktuk man. (He waits for me while I do all my touristy things.)

So that's my temple story.

Another interesting thing happened. This evening I went back to that same beach, Mariana's beach which is the second largest in the world. Normally I would steer clear of beaches at night, because in Thailand we are always told that it's dangerous (Ref I almost wrote And-er-I) to go to the beach at night!! But since I had someone driving me I thought it would be okay. WELL. IF you could SEE how many people were all over this beach and it was so lit up!! Each blanket had a light and a picnic and lit up toys and frisbees . IT was so cool to see!!! I can't believe how bright it was. It was so incredibly safe and friendly -- everyone , Imean everyone, hangs out on this beach in the evenings!!!!! IT's awesome!!

So there we go, I hope you enjoyed my blog! Sorry about double-blogging today, but I do try to get out my expereinces so that I Don't forget the little things and so that you can experience it with me- those of you who are interested.

I will tell you now, my first nervous night last night had me considering getting on a plane back to canada, or at least to Bangkok ASAP because I felt lost and lonely and like I was in danger. IT was NOT a nice feeling. Now , after only one lovely Indian day I am so thankful that I stuck it out and stayed. I am really looking forward to what India will bring me next. I am not nervous anymore- The people are too kind , the sights are too interesting , and the food is too delicious to be nervous!!

LOVE YOU XOXOXOXOX