My first plane ride to Incredible India.

Wednesday, 14 September 2016.

It was my first plane ride at the age of 19 and I am not shy about it at all. I am happy that I experienced it at an age where I would remember it, feel it and appreciate it. What makes it more special would be that I was financially independent at my destination and the purpose of it was my sister's wedding. 

So where was I headed to? You are right, India (Chennai) it is. My trip was for a period of 5 days. We left from Singapore on 14th September evening. I was so excited yet a little nervous for my first flight. Of course the procedures were new to me and I was quite of a 'blur sotong' but I had Amma and Akka to my rescue as always. I gotta say it was such a nice feeling after all especially when I knew that I have reached Chennai. It felt amazing! 

It was raining heavily but fortunately we reached our beautiful hotel safely only to find ourselves ordering supper from the room service and falling asleep right after. 

Day 1.

Our first day begun with a wide spread of breakfast (The Idly is my favorite!!!) at the hotel followed by a visit to a Vinayagar temple before we adjourned to Paris Corner to get the wedding invitations done. We spent the entire morning searching for the right invitation a shop which offers the best quotation. We settled it in time for lunch when we were all famished. 

The roads were madness in India but I do miss the sight of the extraordinary roads and of course the significant rhythm of horns almost every 10 seconds.

We got a bit greedy in Saravana Bhavan where we decided to have lunch at but it is okay, food is love, love is food. We then walked to the other side of Paris corner to shop for jewellery and clothes. I then realised how crazy the crowd gets on the streets there. Be it men or women, they treat you invisible and I was walking with great fear for the fact that we were all ladies in the group.

We managed to locate a shop-house which had really pretty Lenghas at affordable prices. I bought one in lime green and hot pink. My sisters bought their shares too. The rest of the day was spent purchasing silverware items for households and the wedding where I bought myself a "gold" tumbler to drink hot beverages on my vegetarian days.  Dinner and back to the hotel for the day.

Day 2.

This was one of my favourite days maybe because I made the biggest financial damage buying whatever I fell in love with. First was "Skanda Puranam", a religious text which I have been waiting to purchase and that too I was lucky to have spotted it at a temple we went to. Second stop was Sunthary Silks; my favorite Saree shopping stop among them all. I managed to get myself a saree for Akka's wedding in the colour combination I had always wanted which is brinjal purple and parrot green. Ahhh! Oh and of course 2 other sarees I could not get my eyes off and kurta tops.

Being happy with our purchases and spending quite a bit of time there, what was next? Lunch of course. I was craving for 'Kothu Parotta' and what I was served was more than amazing.

We then went shopping for the Bride's Saree and the Groom's outfit which was not easy at all. Not having the groom physically with us made it more challenging. As for my sister's Saree, she had to fit one into budget and at the same time find one that suits her taste and is approved by her Mother-in-law. That itself was exhausting.

Day 3 & Day 4.

The third and fourth day were weekends. On Saturday, all the shops were closed till afternoon due to a dispute which was going on and it kinda became a spoiler but god's willing we managed to continue ticking off items from our checklist. More Sarees and accesories. After much dilemma, the bride's and groom's outfits were finalised. Invitations were collected. More food venturing. 

On the fourth day, we had gone to Pondy Bazaar which made us go crazy as they had so much which was beautiful and cheap. From footwear to tops to accessorises and etc. We also went to India's Guardian which was "Health&Beauty" and went crazy there too. Having an amazing Make-Up Artist in the family, we could not miss out on good cosmetics there. 

In the noon, we headed over to their malls and even tried their Paneer(Cottage Cheese) Burger from McDonalds. Unfortunately we had no chilli sauce to go with it :( Towards evening, I started feeling fluish and I was just praying that it should not get worst till I get back home. That same evening, I also felt like a princess as we went to the spa to have our preferred needs satisfied. I had a Nepali masseur who massaged my foot and it felt heavenly. I would have done that every day if I could.

DAY 5!!!

It came down to our last day in Chennai. Thankfully, I was still not financially exhausted. I sponsored an Auto ride hehehe. It felt like we were on a roller coaster moreover when I was seated right beside the driver. Nevertheless it was so fun and I regret not having more of such rides.

We did last impulse purchases at Mint Street and Pondy Bazaar. Got myself bangle organisers while my sister was shopping for bridal sets to beautify her clients with. I became even sick but was still going strong. Then came the tough part where we had to pack everything and ensure it was within the baggage requirement. Our flight was only at midnight, India timing. Hence, after checking out, we went over to my sister's friend who's been staying there to get treatment. He is living in a private apartment with caretakers and 2 chef whom are just awesome. Apart from them, there was someone whom had all my attention, his dog, Thunder. Thunder was literally thunder when it came to making noise but such a friendly and loving baby he was. I had no heart to leave after spending hours with him. 

We were already beginning to doze off on the couch but before we knew, it was already time for us to head to the Airport. I definitely felt sad that our short holiday was coming to and end but was more than happy that our purpose of being there was met and that I could accompany my sister for this trip. There were downs during the trips but I guess this is a norm when it comes to a wedding. Now that this is settled, I wish the rest of the wedding preparations go smooth for Shawn and Akka. 

Safely reached Singapore and I only remember being stuck the couch and bed for the next 2 days. Oh and admiring my buys in between. Now, I have more plane rides to work for and look forward to. I do want to explore more of the world and more of India for sure. 

Chennai was beautiful.

Sending you love,