100% confirmed and undeniable euphemistically described verbose South Indian stereotypes...

3. Intense right hand displays of mixing and shoveling in a blender-like manner occasionally multiple spoon surgery performing-like consumers of rice in combination with any other type of super-refined carbohydrate and sambar eaters.

2. Conservative, unusually quiet and stoic, religious tikka on forehead displaying, imported alcohol-hating, seemingly vegetarian eaters of deliciously spicy seafood and unnamed red meat.

1. Jasmin flower adorning, frizzy braided hair having, elegant silk sari wearing women accompanying the checkered lungi-sporting, barefoot, mustache-clad scooter driving men who non-subtly urinate in an unassuming squat just about anywhere.


disclaimer: I did just read Chetan Bhagat's book, 2 States, on recommendation from my cousin...so maybe these "stereotypes" are more in my head than on the streets...maybe. Oh, and I apologize for the poor grammar...I just let the "creative" juices flow on this one.

Amazing (unexpected) benefits of living on the southeastern coast of India...

Chennai offers direct (and cheap) flights to:

3. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

2. Kerala

1. Sri Lanka



*I know I know, more on my new city experiences...soon!

Why I almost quit on my 1st day of work...but then decided not to.

4. I had to wake up early. But then I thought, hey, I should stop being a lazy piece of shit , so it's, um, okay I guess, sorta.

3. I had goosebumps because of the AC. But then I thought, hey, I bet this AC will be amazing when it feels like a bagillion degrees outside, so it's, um, okay I guess, sorta.

2. I sat by the printer. But then I thought, hey, then I can meet new people in the office and see what kind of shit they print, so it's, um, okay I guess, sorta.

1. I asked a colleague from North India where to get some good Punjabi food around here and he replied "Delhi." But then I thought, hey, I guess I'll just eat more curd rice and iddly, so it's, um, okay I guess, sorta.

Day 3/4 are off to celebrate the South India holiday of Pongal...it's, um, okay I guess, sorta. ;)

Things I will miss most about Delhi as I begin my new life in the dirty (Indian) south...

5. Lunch feasts at my Nani's (maternal Grandma). Everytime I went to my Nani's for lunch, I was treated like a first-time guest by her cook, Devi. She would make so much food, fresh gajar ki halwa (carrot goodness), delicious boondi raita (the yogurt with the little balls) and more often than not, paranthas. The two km walk was the least I could do to at least work off the salad!

4. Visitors @ Delhi Airport. Ok, fine, so Kisa was my only visitor at the airport itself, but still! Too fun! Being only 30 minutes away from the capital city's domestic airport is advantageous and is a good way to get more of life's essentials (read: refill on deodorant, lactaid pills, tampons and People Magazine). Future visitors can be lured by the fact that I made a stop at Fab India and the nearest chocolate store pre-airport visit :)

3. Yaaaaaaar! Bhaiya! Gobi! Parantha! Papita! and the rest of my favorite Hindi words. As many of you know, Chennai is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu (or the 'Nad in my new lingo that I'm trying to incorporate) which has two official languages: English and Tamil. This means, my English (w/Indian accent and head nod, of course) is much more useful than my Hindi in the 'Nad. Vat can I do, yaar? I must be crazy to shift to Chennai but job and beach seem too good to let go. V shall see.

2. Younger cousin-siblings. Vikram and Geetika (or Bunty and Geetu to most of you) have provided hours of entertainment (both in real-time and in video footage), advice (the verdict is still out if it is good or not...Geets, I still think I packed TOO much!), family-time and creative ways to get out of family-time. Thanks for the good times, little sibs!

1. The opportunity to wear warm clothing.

Dear all my hats, shawls, scarves and Gap puffy vest,

Sorry I put you in a box full of moth balls, but it's really for your protection. I will miss you all dearly.

I hope to see (and wear) you soon.

Love,
Me