Beach Walks

As our time here in Chennai winds down, it is appropriate to reflect on the events and small activities that we’ll miss and that will certainly linger in our memory as India recedes into the past. For certain one of these things is our early evening walk on the beach, buying peanuts, flying kites, eating deep fried chili peppers and hearing all the now familiar and comforting sounds of the Indian beach scene. We have been very fortunate to live so close to the ocean and, while it has meant done a real number on anything metallic, at around 5:15pm, the scene outside our window is transformed into a bustling mecca for those seeking some space and the cooling ocean breeze. Our strip of beach is very popular with local folks—and not foreigners—so it is spared the ubiquitous hawkers and aggressive beggars who glom onto non-Indians and can quickly sour a leisurely time. The scene at our stretch of beach is much more locally flavored: vendors selling food from carts—from Cup ‘o Noodles to “American Organic Sweet Corn” (which incidentally is REALLY good with the masala seasoning!)—balloons shaped in odd configurations that lose their air in about 24 hours, children flying ingeniously made, makeshift kites, people of all ages…it is a truly wonderful time to be outside and sharing space with people living their lives. It is during these times that I feel the most connected to our place and this country that has become home to us. We now see the same folks, share greetings (and Kaia, peanuts), and visit the beach temple on a regular basis. We even have familiarize ourselves with the mangy stray dogs that call this slice of Chennai home. The one in this shot is the one I think looks a bit like a water buffalo. Anyway, Kaia and I are really going to miss these times. In fact, as I’m writing this, Kaia is getting his shoes and socks ready so that we can go down to the beach…

Why I Love this Time: Peanuts wrapped in a newspaper cone.