pondi

took am extended day trip from mamallapuram to pondicherry. spent one night here, leaving my big bag with johanna here in mamallapuram which was such a relieve--travelling light for a change! pondicherry is ever so lovely, i was quite charmed by it. many buildings from the times when it was a frensh colony. borad and paved streets that are clean and easy to walk on. guys, you actually have road signs here, just imagine. i got a childish thrill out of pronouncing the frensh names and just loved the feel of the place. nice sea breaze, made the heat tolerable, same as here in mamallapuram.
went to see the aurobindo ashram, founded by aurobindo-now a famous guru. i bought a book about him and are determined to read more about his ideas. also went to the paper factory that belongs to the ashram where handmade paper is being produced. i was in paradise....you can walk around and see who they produce the paper and then of course there is a showroom where you can shop. they had the most lovely things you can imagine. just walking around and looking at the colorful paper made me happy. may, yes, you would say: simple mind, simple pleasure!
went to the pondicherry museum where a random collection of old coins, stones, minerals, furniture, paintings, and exhibits from a dig near pondicherry where shown. quite loved it for the chaotic atmosphere, felt more like a flea market than anything. this is what i love mostabout india, there is so much space for development, scope for the imagination!!!
also went to explore the gorgous bontanical garden. all in all i was glad that i went, could have spent much more time there, though. next time!