Sam and I spent a couple days in Chennai. We took a very busy 5 hour train there, where beggars walked the narrow aisle and people were trying to sell everything from coffee to colouring books. I learned a lot in Chennai, and it all comes down to love, hate and dinosaurs.
Love: I learned that Indians are extremely loving. They are loving of their guests. We have been spoiled rotten from the moment we got to India. In Chennai, we stayed with Raj's family, and they wanted nothing more than to see us eat, smile and enjoy ourselves. We had some of the best food on our trip at that house!
Indians are also very loving of their family. In fact, as we learned on this trip, it is common for an Indian family to sleep in one room (until you are married or no longer live there). Raj and his brother stayed in the same room as their parents, despite the fact that there is a spare bedroom right next door. They find no shame in this and are happy to spend time whatever time they have with each other.
These particular Indians are extremely loving of God. I can't explain the passion they have for Jesus. Raj's brother-in-law prays in the car before he begins driving for the day. This is almost a necessary thing to do before driving in India, but the mere fact that he brings his driving to God shows how much he wants God to be in control of his life. I really admire their faith.
Also, sam and I discovered our love for guava in Chennai. Mmmmm.
Hate: Chennai hates me. First of all, the city tried to kill me with it's wretched stench and toxic fumes. I honestly felt nauseas after being in the car for half an hour, because there is no oxygen in the air-- just car exhaust. I'm starting to believe in global warming. The temperature is much warmer than in Bangalore, and yet, I got no colour. My skin is immune to the sun. No need to be jealous, I'm just as pale as those of you whiteby's stuck in Canada. Third of all, Sam and I were almost trampled by a cow. Apparently, it's mating season and cows are chasing each other all over the place with very little regard for their surroundings. Watch out.
Dinosaurs: We did some sight-seeing in Chennai. We began by visiting the shrine for St. Thomas which was built where he was murdered. It was super cool and we again were celebrities, because a group of men from Nagaland had probably not seen a white person before! We ended the day by seeing some stone carvings and watching the waves at the beach. However, it's the middle excursion that really made the day worthwhile. We went to a crocodile farm where we saw snakes and hundreds of crocs, including what I can only describe as an evolved dinosaur. This crocodile was about 4 meters long and 2 meters wide. It was enormous and the pictures we took don't begin to do it justice. It's the largest crocodile they have in captivity in India, and they say that it's kind can get to be 7 meters long. Insane.
Love: I learned that Indians are extremely loving. They are loving of their guests. We have been spoiled rotten from the moment we got to India. In Chennai, we stayed with Raj's family, and they wanted nothing more than to see us eat, smile and enjoy ourselves. We had some of the best food on our trip at that house!
Indians are also very loving of their family. In fact, as we learned on this trip, it is common for an Indian family to sleep in one room (until you are married or no longer live there). Raj and his brother stayed in the same room as their parents, despite the fact that there is a spare bedroom right next door. They find no shame in this and are happy to spend time whatever time they have with each other.
These particular Indians are extremely loving of God. I can't explain the passion they have for Jesus. Raj's brother-in-law prays in the car before he begins driving for the day. This is almost a necessary thing to do before driving in India, but the mere fact that he brings his driving to God shows how much he wants God to be in control of his life. I really admire their faith.
Also, sam and I discovered our love for guava in Chennai. Mmmmm.
Hate: Chennai hates me. First of all, the city tried to kill me with it's wretched stench and toxic fumes. I honestly felt nauseas after being in the car for half an hour, because there is no oxygen in the air-- just car exhaust. I'm starting to believe in global warming. The temperature is much warmer than in Bangalore, and yet, I got no colour. My skin is immune to the sun. No need to be jealous, I'm just as pale as those of you whiteby's stuck in Canada. Third of all, Sam and I were almost trampled by a cow. Apparently, it's mating season and cows are chasing each other all over the place with very little regard for their surroundings. Watch out.
Dinosaurs: We did some sight-seeing in Chennai. We began by visiting the shrine for St. Thomas which was built where he was murdered. It was super cool and we again were celebrities, because a group of men from Nagaland had probably not seen a white person before! We ended the day by seeing some stone carvings and watching the waves at the beach. However, it's the middle excursion that really made the day worthwhile. We went to a crocodile farm where we saw snakes and hundreds of crocs, including what I can only describe as an evolved dinosaur. This crocodile was about 4 meters long and 2 meters wide. It was enormous and the pictures we took don't begin to do it justice. It's the largest crocodile they have in captivity in India, and they say that it's kind can get to be 7 meters long. Insane.
We took a 35$ plane back to Bangalore, and it was worth every penny. Quiet, peaceful and only an hour. We saw a strange sign in the Chennai airport. I snapped a picture, and thought I'd leave you with something to ponder.
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