Life at Chennai and the all the good things...

After living here at Chennai for the past 8 years, the last 26 days do seem to bring about a lot of memories. There is a certain peace that hometown nostalgia entails you to enjoy and I shall indulge.

Adolescence is an impressionable age and I lived through my peak hormonal changes here; schooling at DAV Gopalapuram and getting myself a Electrical and Electronics Engineering Degree from SVCE. Being a Day Scholar (Dayski) during under graduation robbed me off what would I believe is a sure-fire growth accelerator - Hostel Life. Thankfully, it looks like I would have this for the next 2 years of my life at IIM Indore.

Some things I would miss leaving Chennai..

1) Sathyam -> The favorite haunt for all the movie-lovers. I think my first movie here was Gone in 60 seconds. Hell, it was amazing watching those cars and I did not know who Angelina Jolie was.

2) Saravana Bhavan --> You have to give it to them. Overpriced though they are (which might change soon thanks to Kalaignar), the 14 Idly soaked in Sambhar is fabulous. I believe Rathna Cafe is a close competitor but I have not had enough opportunities for close culinary evaluation.

3) Maasilamani Street Kayyendhi Bhavan --> I cant call it the poor man's Saravana Bhavan as the last time I was there, they looked badly in need of Valet Parking. In case you have not been here, it is off Pondy Bazaar (Road adjoining Music World),. Devout hygiene fanatics might faint looking at the Kitchens but the Podi Dosai and Onion Oothappam would surely revive them if they gave it a chance. For the record, I have not heard anyone whom I have bribed, cajoled, threatened etc to accompany me falling sick after eating here.

4) Sweet Chariot, Ispahani Center, Nungambakkam --> Long since I have been anywhere close to Ispahani but this place used to be much more quiet, cozy and comfortable than its neighbor Coffee Day.

5) Fruit Shop on Greames Road --> One of the few good Juice Shops. Has some good neighbors in the Area like Frankies etc. The lime-mint cooler still costs the same 15 bucks it used to ages back, beating Inflationary pressures. The nice guys who would never kick out a bunch of blokes whiling away time on a 2/5 Lime Mint Order.

6) Marina Beach --> Does it need a mention. The pride of Chennai. Boy would I miss the Bhajjis or what :---(

I am sure I have missed a few...This is a city that is unique in many aspects..Anyone who has spent time here will understand what I am talking about. As far the others, Atithi Devo Bhava..Come down sometime and experience it for yourself....