The best part of being in Chennai

Moments are rare when I feel totally happy and absolutely thrilled to be living in this seaside city called Chennai. Many people have asked me “Isn’t this your home town ? How can you not like it?”. Yes, I do like it – all my near and dear ones are here. Except for that fact, this city has never captured my heart, as Hyderabad did, during my stay of 7 years there.

But there is this magic in this city, which I relish, savor and enjoy whenever I get the chance. And that is the amazing coast line this city is blessed with. How can I resist the sea breeze which flows through my hair, in a way inviting me to come and spend some time in those waves and sands ?? 😀

Those moments spent on the sands, is one of the most invigorating moments in my life, especially due to the reason, that I walk barefoot on the sands. It’s an amazing feeling, such therapy to my feet and I love the way the sand flows through my toes while I walk.  And its an absolute blessing that my girls think the same way like me and totally enjoy their visits to the beach, walking barefoot, wetting the feet in the water – it’s a delight that such simple joys exist in this world and for which I can die for.

I remember growing up with the waves, as a small girl. We used to stay near the beach and the walk from home to beach will easily take 30 mins and that was the exciting half hour of the day. As me, my siblings and my cousins walk and run to reach the beach, the excitement builds inside us, anticipating the moment of getting wet. We never hesitated to get totally wet. That was the final objective of that trek of 30 mins. The big waves excited us, especially when the salt water went into our mouths or when it used to sting our eyes.

After having the ball of our life playing with the waves, we start with the munching things. Roasted corn, Thenga Manga Pattani Sundal, Kai Murukku – actually anything that catches our fancy will go into our tummies too. And by this time, we were totally dry in that amazing wind.

Then we start building sand castles and playing our heart out, till we were literally dragged out of the sands by our parents. Those visits happenned almost every weekend and it recharged us for the upcoming week.  I cherish those beach visits and the absolute joy it gave me.

Now also, the beach has the charm to mesmerize me and hold me in place just by a small visit to that magical place. There is no playing around nor the urge to make sand castles. But to just be there, watch the people throng the waters, the other kids playing around, the amazing rise and fall of the waves – there is such contentment in being there; living that moment totally and consciously. And those big waves that wet me totally are not my favorite anymore.  I feel that smaller waves that come and touch my feet lightly gives me the maximum pleasure. Is it the age or have I matured in my affection towards this amazing place called beach ??? I don’t know nor I want to know 😉

Visits to the beach, makes me come alive for my love towards Chennai. And like a small child, I don’t feel like going home from the soft sands and waves. It’s a blessing to be around such a place, right ?? 😀