fruitshop, beach and cricket - 1

A trip to Chennai in mid of April sounds like a dream come true for a mad man. For a jobless soul like me, it sounds like a feast. A mid 40s honeymoon trip of sorts.
And when your hosts are likes of Heda and Sujay, take my words, its going to be a memorable experience in all the positive senses.

Chennai is a city of traditions and values. Today umpteen number of engineering and degree college students give it a fresh outlook. It may not be that metroish as Bangalore or Pune, but still every city has its own culture. And Chennai can boast of one strong cultural thread that every Chennaivasi will be proud of.

Fruitshop at Greams Road was my first interaction with this thread. A nice hangout place for young crowd, it boasts of some of the most delicious juice preparations in town. The nice decor coupled with soothing music gives it a fresh look. Mind you I am saying music is soothing and not loud. And that is one of the big factor that makes them stand out in the crowd of Cafe Coffee Day and Baristas. Lime mint cooler [priced at Rs 15] is one of the most popular drink here. A nice way to beat Chennai heat.

A mall is a common sight in all the towns and cities. And still we visit the mall in every city we visit. In one sense each mall has its own flavor; a flavor that pretty much related to the city which it belong too. City Center in Chennai is one such mall. Malls are western gift to us. The swanky and sporty looks make them the icon of consumerism. Still City Mall with its artistic and historical look is refreshing. It looks like a palace, and no two cents to guess that you will enjoy visiting it in any time of the day.

Marina beach was our next stop. The sea breeze cools down your soul. This beach is a family place, and looking at those smiling faces you can easily recall your childhood picnic trips to nearby beach or waterfalls. Chat, sugar-candies and ice-creams - childhood revisited.

The day ended with lavishing dinner at Heda's place. Actually speaking, we kept munching something or other throughout the day. I surely know now the source of wealth that I have recently acquired. :D