A day trip to Puducherry a.k.a Pondicherry

So, hubster surprised me Saturday morning with plans for a Pondi trip. I haven't been to this lovely union territory in almost a decade, and of course jumped on the plan claws, teeth and tail. It had been raining the night before, but Saturday morning turned out to be a gorgeous day with the sun out in all its glory. We packed up some snacks and my in laws into our new car (I later realized hubster wanted to go on a long drive to break in the new car before it hit the 1000 km mark! Oh, well...).
Navigating city traffic is the worst part of it all in chennai. Cows, goats, cyclists, truckers, irrational cab drivers are all packed into one narrow street that has no traffic lights, and the only traffic cop of duty is usually just standing on the spot scratching his crotch. Anyways, we hit the first toll booth in less than half an hour (we started from Besant Nagar, Adyar), and paid 80 bucks. Once we cleared that and hit ECR (East Coast Road) the ride was sheer joy. The roads are cleaner, smoother with no potholes and there's not much civilization on either side to bother you. I managed to click a few pictures from the car, and have listed them here as sort of a travel diary. Here's my "What I Saw" list:

 I just had to stop when I saw a tender coconut vendor on the side. Sipped yummy coconut water, and then bit into some delicious nongu (palmyra fruit). Tender coconut: 15 Rs. Nongu: 3 for 5 Rs. Satisfaction: Priceless!

An hour before Pondi, I saw these salt fields as we went over a bridge. I pestered hubster to stop, crossed the street and took these shots. The salt fields were stretched as far as my eye could see. I was fascinated to say the least. hmm... so this is where the salt I use comes from...

It took us 2.5 hours to reach Pondi. I know some people get there faster, but we took our time taking in the scenery that whizzed by. I was surprised at all the greenery, the paddy fields, and the number of small villages that lay between Pondi and Chennai. Above, Pondi welcomes us.

My first view of Pondi - congested and noisy.

 Old architecture still rules in this section of Pondi

And some men still use the tractor as a mode of transportation!

And then we turned a corner into the French Quarter to some picturesque scenes...

 Serene...

A lighthouse

 The Gandhi Memorial

Just caught my eye for some reason

A family eating under the tree Indian style!

Our Lady of Angels Church....

... under renovation

Trying some stuff with the cam...

 Jewelry and clothes - these are some of my fav'rite things!

I liked... I liked....
                                                                                                                                                                         
                                      

One last look at the other messy side... and I'm ready to leave

Salt fields on the way back...

Women working hard...

Breath taking isn't it?

Two lovely lamp shades I picked up at Pondi. Hubster bargained and got me both for 250 rs.!!

So that is the end of my wanderings and meanderings. If you like any of my pics (yes, I like to flatter myself), do drop me a line first :)