One last sunrise in Pondicherry

 We stayed in Pondicherry for over a week. Its European heritage makes it both unique and easy - we could easily have stayed on for months. But our time was limited and hardcore India was waiting for us. Hold tight, it's gonna be one hell of a ride.

A balcony with a view

I love the simplicity of these shots, taken from our balcony overlooking the leisurely Promenade. I will spare you the other 95 shots I took from this same angle. Yes, we liked our balcony.

[Ok, I feel like I have to explain. Our hotel in Pondicherry was nice, and after a month in a stingy room in Mamallapuram, we appreciated the hell out of it. And we missed it even more when we moved on!].

More bits & pieces from Pondicherry

Always coordinate your oxen to your cart.

Public toilets. I think I'll hold it a while longer.

'Nuff said.

Candy floss.

Just outside Pondicherry, damage from a recent hurricane.

Please note the lock on the door.

The other side of Pondicherry, the "Ville Blanche"

Honesty Engineers, Pondy.

The Promenade

Although there aren't any beaches, the Pondicherry Promenade is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. At dawn, it's invaded by an army of men of all ages, going up and down in what we baptised the "Pondicherry walk" - picture little wind-up tin soldiers, so straight they look like they might topple backwards any minute.

At noon, the sun is unforgiving and the promenade is deserted. 

At dusk, it becomes alive again, when everyone goes out for an evening stroll. 

Always, that sea breeze. A lovely place.

Bits & pieces from Pondicherry

 Amid the general chaos that is an Indian town, I found myself focusing on details. Maybe it was subconscious rejection of the often harsh reality I was faced with. But these small scenes, these tiny moments I caught, whether happy, sad or funny - well, they were mine alone.

Details, Pondicherry market

Sometimes it's the way a ray of sunshine hits a heap of oranges. Sometimes it's the red bananas.

Sometimes it's just a look.

Only in India (3)

Ladies' toilet, Pondicherry bus station

Pondicherry dawns

In Pondicherry, we were fortunate enough to have a sea-front room with a balcony. One morning, we woke up extra early to a pink and golden sky.

Pondicherry market

The fruit market in Pondicherry is a fascinating place. Huge blue pieces of cloth are hung over the narrow alleyways to protect from the scorching sun. The effect this creates is quite surreal.

And then you turn around a corner and all's yellow.

Only in India (2)

Meet Lakshmi. She usually stands at the entrance of the biggest hindu temple in Pondicherry. Once a day, she goes for a walk inside (!) the temple.

She will give you her blessing in exchange for a banana. Or a rupee (or ten, if you happen to be a western tourist).