chennai life
Cities around the world are almost always one of the most fascinating aspects of each country. They each tend to have their own rhythm and harmony. But some also run on unwritten schedules day in and day out. Here is a glimpse at the city life in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Mornings
Sunrise in the summer happens around 5:30 am and a little later in the winter. But, guaranteed, you will hear the occasional bicycle bell ringing as an early riser rides his or her way to work at 4:00 am. Slowly, by 6:00 am, you can hear the city slowly get up to its morning routine. Go outside and you can see flocks of crows going to get a bite for breakfast. School kids and office goers will be getting ready to head out and beat the morning rush-hour traffic. Some women will be cleaning the doorsteps with water and cow dung in order to put fresh kolams (designs made with rice flour on the ground) to invite the new day.
By 7:00 am, the city is wide awake and alive with the fresh sounds of horns and tires screeching on the warm tar roads. Buses will be jam-packed with people and it'll be nearly impossible to penetrate the sea of humans and vehicles. And if you are curious as to how long rush-hour lasts, it would be at least until 10 a.m. (so if you miss your alarm and oversleep, good luck, for the city waits for no one).
Nearly the entire city, from shops to schools to offices, all take an hour lunch break around 11:30 to 1:30 pm, depending on each individual's personal schedule. Restaurants will usually be full then (especially on weekends or holidays) and canteens (cafeterias) will be bustling with the latest news in the day so far and small talk. Also, this is when you can really start feeling the heat of the sun (fun, right?).
work
This is where the city has two options: Nap time or work. If you are at work or school, the options are pretty much limited to working. However, some shopkeepers and most stay-at-home individuals prefer the first option of napping. Most temples also close for the afternoon. If you decide to venture out in the afternoon heat, on your way, you can find some ox and street dogs trying to cool off on the side of the road while half asleep. Else, staying indoors with the A/C on full-blast isn't such a bad idea either.
Also, this is your local tea or coffee time, so savor in all the sweet tea spices and strong coffee bean smells as much as you possibly can!
