Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu, India
(This report comes to you from somewhere in the middle of the Bay of Bengal, between Chennai, India and Sri Lanka. It is Noon here, on a Wednesday, January 20, 2016, as we upload this report to you).
Chennai, India: Tuesday, January 19, 2016
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Arrived in Chennai, as advertised, 8:30 AM. Once we ate breakfast, we took our limited needed items and headed to the Vista Lounge to wait for our shuttle. No fruits nor any food of any type allowed into India. Although the wait was long, eventually we found ourselves on a foul smelling bus, dodging Tuk Tuks and other assorted vehicles all the way to downtown Chennai.
India is very serious about people entering their country. Yesterday, while still at sea, all passengers had to report to the Indian authorities for a face to face immigration check. This was a first for us on a cruise. Not only did we have to present our passports and visas again, we had to document what type/model of camera we were taking inland. Any electronic device to be taken inland, had to be declared, i.e. cell phones, computers, etc. We were also advised about pick pockets. So between Nelly and myself, we only took one camera into Chennai. Forget the internet. The Cruise Port Terminal is presently being renovated.
Although we signed up for a city tour back in December, they were all filled up. We ended up getting a shuttle to downtown. The sights and smells are unique. There is only one word to describe Chennai: CHAOS! Yes, you read it right. And we thought we had seen it all when we toured Egypt a few years ago
. Here in Chennai, the streets are packed with anything and everything that walks, rides or crawls. The streets are littered with trash, dirt and filth is everywhere. Even the tree leafs are full of dirt. Trying to cross any street means taking your life at risk and we did that a few times. Good thing some locals felt sorry for us and held up their hands to oncoming traffic. They crossed the busy streets with us. Traffic does not stop or slow down for pedestrians. At times, it sounded like the driver's finger was stuck on the horn button.
Once we arrived downtown, some of the cruise passengers on the bus decided not to get off. They were bewildered by the street scene and did not feel safe. Instead, they returned back to the ship. We did the normal tourist thing: Shop. Nelly bought a few souvenirs. We were going to use the Hop On Hop Off bus, but it was late and we felt it best to return to the ship
. To tell you the truth, we felt safer once we were on our scheduled bus, returning to the ship.
Were we glad to get back to the ship and normalcy? Absolutely, the loud noises were gone and so were the pulling, pushing and shoving. We sat down to a quiet lunch and looked out at Chennai’s hustle and bustle.
Again, we have no pictures to upload for the blog. Land internet has been non-existent or we have not found it. Sooner or later we will come across a good working internet and play catch up with our pictures. In the meantime, enjoy some pre-loaded pictures with our narrative. Jim
I, Nelly, agree to all the above and will sum it up with my two cents worth. When in India NO need for caffeine with all the craziness everywhere. All your senses kick into high gear with all the noises, smells and colors, etc., etc. I was able to convince the reluctant hubby of mine to have a ride in one of those Chennai Tuk Tuks. It was a wild ride and I actually enjoyed it, while Jim was all uptight over it. Now we are no longer Tuk Tuk virgins.
Our next stop will be Sri Lanka, which should be an equally lively place. So keep your eyes peeled for the next report and hopefully you are enjoying our wild rides in the Indian Ocean. Nelly.
CHENNAI, INDIA 1_19_2016
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu, India
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Comments
2025-05-23
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Simone
2016-01-20
I have been to Chennai twice! And you wouldn't believe it, but last time I went I told my fellow travellers: "It's so relaxed and calm here compared to Mumbai!" Hahahaha
I guess it takes some getting used to but once you accept the chaos you can actually enjoy it.
petkatravels
2016-01-20
Sounds wild! Sounds like you will have great stories to tell for a long time!
SMITH, LYNDA
2016-01-20
Sounds pretty intense Nelly- but I know you are Superwoman! Have more fun.
TAYLOR, RICHARD
2016-01-20
Fascinating post! You are wonderful travel bloggers. I've never been to that part of the world.
Rahm, Ernst
2016-01-20
Dear Nelly and Jim, hi, in fact you got a big taste of CHAOS, and you were reminded of the famous saying: "Always expect the unexpected!" And in fact you did! No chance at all to caress a Holy Cow or meeting a flute playing snake-charmer with his hungry money-maker in the basket! Guess you don't miss that spectacle, and you praised the Holy Lord after your comeback on board of your Sun Princess, estimating a spot of comfort and civilization! What a crazy sort of mankind in an overcrowded mega-city like Chennai! Be aware that Colombo could be the very same human zoo and offering you another big CHAOS on Earth! Best wishes, and your Swiss cousin looks forward to getting more news and other cruel stories! Ernst
ben dominguez
2016-01-20
Hey cousin lot of McDonald's there in India, ha!
Frank and Char
2016-01-21
Wow. That is all I can say. And we thought China was bad! Lol
farmer, betty
2016-01-21
Your taste for adventure is unlimited! WHEREVER you are; if there are 'things' offered that you have never done before; (however bizarre they are),you will step up to the plate and give it a try. lol
ben dominguez
2016-02-24
Very into-ressting primo! Don't stay there long.....
Ramirez, Socorro
2016-02-25
Oh my God! I have no words for this. The abject poverty and the living conditions leave me with a weird feeling in my gut and in my heart. I can't imagine what it was like for you to see it up close and in person. I've not seen this even in Mexico and I've seen some bad stuff there. I well I'm speechless. And the contrast between the beautiful and the deplorable! Everybody who complains about their life should see this...it cannot leave you unaffected. Even the pictures....not surprised some people wouldn't leave the ship...I commend you for going into it and experiencing it...it's far easier to turn away and hold on to what is safe...ignoring the " chaos". God bless all those suffering people...