Read this post on Ozy today and brought back fond memories of home. Where home = Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Where I was born, raised for a bit (kindergarten and high school), pursued college and corporate world and where I return to when I visit family in India. Although this story on the link shared is from a rickshaw driver in Mumbai, rickshaws are pretty much seen everywhere in India. 

My gallivanting around Chennai today included a mix of local and international. It is customary in India, and I assume in most Asian cultures, to never visit someone's home, be that a friend or family member, with empty hands. Some form of a gift is mandatory. It doesn't have to be expensive but it is the norm. Folks of my generation don't care much for it but being that most of my visiting was with my mom, I had to adhere to a few customs. 

It took me a day to recover from the harrowing bus journey before I could get back to accomplishing what I wanted in Chennai. Meanwhile, today is my anniversary so it was decided we would head out for dinner at this restaurant in Nungambakkam called Bombay Brassier. Funny I should head to this considering I had just arrived from 4 weeks in Mumbai. Anyways, the place did not disappoint. For a first timer, the location might be slightly difficult to find but once there, be ready to be wowed. I have very few images here, once the entrees appeared the eating took precedence over the picture taking. Everything we ordered was well-prepared, flavorful and the right amount. It was a busy evening and the staff did seem to have a bit of miscommunication with orders and such but the food really speaks for itself. 

I arrived in Chennai on the 16th from Mumbai but had to leave that very evening to another city further south called Tirunelvelli to attend a relative's wedding. Bunch of women from the family traveling together is always fun. For the onward train journey, we carried a picnic of Indian breads and curries to eat during the journey. We had a berth to ourselves so essentially 8 beds are ours.