The Charminar Express

So, Hyderabd did make me a little cranky - it is a tough town, what can I say? Between the lack of sidewalks, the pollutions, greasey food, noise, annoying tagalongs it wasn't my favorite. However, all in all, there were some sweet moments.

Yesterday, Darius and I visited Golconda Fort. The fort established the city in the 1500's and is a testament to the amazing military and civil accomlishments of the time. It was really amazing. The fort was incredibly restored and from the highest point (a climb of about 300 stairs) we could see a really spectacular view of the city. We were really surpised at the amount of green space. The almost all white architecture gave the city a middle eastern feel and minarets and Mosque temple tops that dapple the sky line were very picturesque.
Another great thing Hyderbad offered was this one amazing meal. We ate off a banana leaf several helpings of delicious rice, vegetable dishes (spiced to perfection) and sweets all for about $1.50 CAD. Pretty sweet.
And as we left I think I saw one of the more incredible city sunsets of my life: the blue sky backdropped the light and dark blue India rail cars and then the setting sun changed the sky from blue to yellow to orange and pink. The marble platform was glowing and just when I thought it couldn't be sweeter, a little floppy puppy appeared and plunked himself at my feet, splaying himself and wagging his tail in the most adorable way! *sigh*
We took the Charminar Express from Hyderabad to Chennai. This morning, after our arrival and some help from Sundar (my chatty India tag along - who, btw chatted what seemed like the whole way to Chennai) we made it to the public transit to Lauri's neighborhood. It was raining pretty hard so when we got into a rickshaw to find her house, it was as if we were in a boat - the streets were like canals in Venice. Cars splashed their way through and we received tidal waves of spray into our open rickshaw. We made it to Lauri's, had a breif sit and then went for a delightful breakky and tea, then this internet fix and we'll soon be off to buy some sweets. I am feeling much cheerier here in Chennai. Mostly I am looking forward to our stay with Lauri and hearing about her adventures here in India.
So, until next time friends...