On the south east coast of the subcontinent facing the Bay of Bengal
We flew into Chennai because John had a conference there. I knew that Madras was famous for its food and especially the curry but I knew nothing about the area. Apart from the charm of the people and the fact that this is India, there is little of outstanding interest.
Of course there are some exceptions.
They boast the second longest beach in the world but at 12 miles that doesn't make sense. They are referring to the width or length to the water's edge. The best aspect is that it is well used both day and night. On the North end there are so many stalls it is like a bazaar and as you meander south you pass hundreds of people enjoying the cool breeze off the Bay of Bengal, playing in the water, playing cricket and enjoying each other long into the night when the kites are replaced by glowing disks that fly high into the sky. Fishermen also use the beach to launch their boats and mend the nets.
No one I saw had a swim suit but all sorts of people were in the water: boys in briefs and shorts and I watched three elegant women holding hands and skipping over the frothing waves like children. When they turned around I saw that they were all quite elderly. Other women were in up to their waists with colorful swaths of sari floating around them.
This lady asked me to photograph her daughter and I said I would if she would be in the picture as well.
Judging by the rope and the others like it, this fishing boat is still in use. The fishermen stand in them and cast their nets. New boats provided by the NGOs after the tsunami are not so popular and there are so many boats now that the boys are going fishing instead of finishing their education.
There are few signs left of the disaster wrought by the monster wave. The street lamps are replaced and most of the homes have been rebuilt. About 800 people were lost in Chennai. It was worse up the coast to the north.
Now this beach is a playground and thoroughly enjoyed by all who go there.
Way down at the southern end of the beach John and I stopped for dinner at a kind of beach restaurant that in the West would serve hamburgers or hot dogs. We got a plate of tortilla-type pancakes cooked with onions in them (Latinos take note). They were delicious and cost $3.00 for both and mine was piled with tomatoes as well.
For information on our other travels go to 99 Days to Panama.
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