As you can see we have finally caught up with Martin! The first three days were spent chilling out, getting over jet lag, sorting out glasses but most of all getting a real insight into Martin's life here in India. The Ashram is an oasis of calm surrounded by the ever growing city with high rise blocks and new IT centres. Chennai is most definitely India, with its manic traffic and noise, but it is very different from Delhi. The air to start with is clearer, being close to the sea, and there seems to be less poverty and rubbish. It is not really a tourist destination as there are very few temples etc., much better described as a centre of commerce.
Spent this morning, before it got too hot, visiting the Theosophical Gardens and then walking along the beach. The gardens were set up as a place for serene reflection and secular contemplation over a century ago and they were a delight. The beach failed the blue flag test but was nevertheless interesting for the local fishing boats, five bent planks tied together.
I'll reduce the size of the photo files and add some pictures of the local wildlife tonight. Being cleaner there are far fewer birds, only a handful of Kites and Mynas, but there are hordes of butterflies none of which I can name.