Madras

April 20, 2001

I haven't told you about my Madras lay-over. This is the first time I actually got down India. Ok, second time. The first time was when we had a minimum rest when we exceeded our duty period. This was when an Indonesian pax gave birth on board (this was more than 2 yrs. ago).

But this time, I really got to see the place. First, the hotel is very nice. Except the food is not good for a 5 star class. The first day, Tekla(Joan) and I went to this place called St.Thomas Church. It is known that St. Thomas himself died in that place. I can't figure if it's Jesus's Thomas or St. Thomas de Aquainas (fr. whom UST was named). It's a very small church on top of a hill. The view is spectacular. From the top, you can see Madras and the Bay of Bengal. The camera I brought is not good so I had Tekla take most of the pictures, which isn't developed yet.

Inside the church, you have to take your shoes off. Then there's a cross, and on its center is a small human bone (dunno which part). A sign says it belonged to St. Thomas himself. Then there's a portrait of Madonna and child painted by another Saint and said to be brought by St. Thomas there.

Getting there, we took a tricycle. They call it 'auto'. In Thailand, they call it 'tuk-tuk'. It's a tri-wheeler w/ the driver in front and behind is 2 pax seater. It even has a meter, but like the taxis in Manila, they almost never use it. You bargain for a fixed price and threaten them with a walk-out if it's a bad deal. He'll definitely call you back because there are dozens more waiting in line to take you. They even have this racket that they pass by a gas station and ask you for 50 Rupees (other than the agreed fare), with the intention of getting lucky for a paid gas.

There's not much in Madras. We went to this mall (if you call it a mall) with ugly and expensive clothes. I got some fruits which isn't tasty at all when I ate it at home. I also got a leather jacket/coat. I know winter's over, but it's so light I can use it as raincoat. O di ba sosyal, rain coat ko leather. Leather is cheap in India and Pakistan. Not all leather is from cow, so I guess that's OK.
The next day, Tekla and I just stayed in the hotel because they have a very nice gym. I worked out for 2 hrs., then a back and leg massage. Price is reasonable (ako pa, kuripot).Rupees are almost the same rate as our Peso.