my first encounter with india

My Air India flight arrived from Singapore at something like two in the morning. Like a lost lamb, I edged my way through the chaos of coolies and taxi drivers badgering for business. After I slunk into the back of a wonky taxi seat, the driver whizzed through the darkened Chennai streets (Madras back then). 

Journey into the past

When I first set foot in Chennai decades ago, I stayed near Egmore Station. On my recent return, I decided to venture back to see if there was anything I recognized from all those years ago.

Tamil Nadu return

It had been forty years since I set foot in India. I landed in the same city that was my original introduction to the country, Chennai (Madras back then).

Some aspects didn’t appear to have changed after all those decades: the wonky footpaths; the constant tooting of horns; the delicious South Indian food; local people friendly and helpful; men still with sarongs doubled up like mini skirts (though now more wore trousers); women in saris (though many had gone to the Punjabi style of dress).