Pondicherry

Oh, Pondicherry! Just when we had given up on Indian cities, you came along and shook things up. Kind of. A former French colony, Pondicherry has retained a considerable amount of old world charm, at least in the touristy area. It has a lovely seaside boardwalk where you can buy ice cream. It has lovely sorbet-colored buildings with verandas and big French doors. It has cobblestone streets and sidewalks. It has a vibrant city center teeming with families doing their shopping and strolling. It has actual street signs in English- or rather French - which means you can actual find your way around. And, when there is construction going on, one believes that the construction is leading somewhere and will be finished someday. But it is still India, with stinking raw sewage, wandering cows in unexpected places, and poverty.

Also, don't go to Pondicherry in the middle of the afternoon or anytime on Sunday expecting anything to be open, like we did. It was a French colony and keeps French hours.

Pondicherry is the last stop in Part One of Charlie and my big trip. India has been nothing if not colorful. It is equal parts chaotic and calm, loud and laid back. India has definitely left an impression on me, but I need time to process all that I have seen, heard and experienced.

Next on our itinerary is Southeast Asia....