About Marriage Temples and Frog Princes

Friday, 02.09.2016: Today we are heading to Pondicherry. But before that, we make a stop at the marriage temple near Tharangambadi. Several weddings are held in the temple every day. The special thing about these weddings is that they are repeated once the husband reaches the age of 60, 70, and 80 years. The temple is filled with smoke from open fires and incense sticks. One highlight of this temple is the blessing by an elephant, after the offering of 1, 2, or 5 rupees. After a cold coconut juice and with burned feet (you have to take off your shoes at the temple entrance), we start our 3-hour journey to Pondicherry.

In Pondicherry, we will spend 2 nights in a luxury hotel. In the afternoon, we get caught up in the shopping frenzy and I buy, among other things, a traditional Indian kurta, 2 shirts, and a few cups at Fabindia. (This Indian chain creates its products using traditional Indian handicraft techniques and ensures fair payment for its employees - finally, I get Anni on the right track [Editor's note]).

After 4 hours, we set out to find something to eat. Unfortunately, the restaurant of our choice had already closed. On our desperate way back to the hotel (unfortunately, there are no rickshaws at this time), we stumble upon a Subway restaurant. Well, a woman can test if they are as good as in Germany. Definitely! After a nightcap on the rooftop terrace of the hotel, we happily and exhaustedly fall into our single beds. (Anni kicked me out of her bed after half the night [Editor's note]).

Saturday, 03.09.2016: Today we want to go to Auroville, where Jasmin wants to meet an expert on solar energy. It is interesting to learn about solar energy generation techniques. After the meeting, Carsten invites us for a lunch together. It's really annoying when you urgently need to use the toilet, but a frog that jumped out of the toilet paper roll blocks the way to the toilet seat. Luckily, I have a heroic rescuer.

After the meal, we explore Auroville. Auroville is an international community with 2000 residents who try to be self-sufficient. What is fascinating about Auroville are the paths made of red soil in contrast to the green vegetation. In the visitor center, you can learn something about the origin of Auroville. In the late afternoon, we enjoy the benefits of the spa area of our hotel with a head massage.

Sunday, 04.09.2016: We set off for Mahabalipuram to spend a few days there. We have chosen a small hotel outside the hustle and bustle to relax in peace. The plus point of the hotel is the direct access from the room to the pool, which extends around all the apartments. Unfortunately, our anticipation is quickly clouded; through poor service, lack of Wi-Fi, contrary to the information on the website, and the fact that half of the dishes in the vegetarian restaurant were not available. On the next day, we decide to change the hotel, but not without taking advantage of the benefits of the large pool. Here in the hotel, the little green visitors are also present, but the two mini-frogs are easily caught with the bathing bucket.

Monday, 05.09.2016: We enjoy the benefits of the large all-around pool one last time. After the successful change, we find ourselves in a real haven of well-being with direct access to the sea, a deluxe apartment, a non-veg restaurant with a complete menu, and many other amenities. Unfortunately, access to the spa area is not possible due to renovation work. After spaghetti carbonara and a cozy siesta, the swimming trip in the blazing morning sun becomes noticeable. Jasmin gets to take care of me with the typical symptoms of heat exhaustion (the precursor to sunstroke and heatstroke). After a cold shower and ibuprofen, the fever gradually subsides, but not before the 4th little green visitor in three days finds its way out of the bathing bucket. Too bad, I was looking forward to a swim in the huge hotel pool.

Best regards from Mahabalipuram, your Anni [and Editor].

We will spend the next 4 days here and hope that I will feel better tomorrow so that we can explore the city a bit.