A treat to the senses, that's Chennai for you !

I wake up to a pleasant warm morning with clear skies. Having got a day off, I decide to take a stroll in my neighbourhood. A few people have already started their jogging rounds on the nearly empty streets.I head on to the main road and and see fresh vegetables being unloaded from trucks, to be spread out for sale at the ubiquitous vegetable shops.A gentle breeze develops, bringing wih it the wonderful aroma of freshly ground coffee powder from the Leo coffee shop across the road. I close my eyes to soak it all, only to be alerted by a milkman balancing a trunk full of milk packets on his cycle.I jump on to the pavement and walk along.Further down, a group of college students are waiting for their bus.Some are busy chatting, while some others are buying hot, roasted peanuts from a push cart vendor.

I cross the road to head back home and as I walk into my street I hear gentle strains of carnatic music from a flat above.Straight ahead are two dogs, one a great dane and the other a daschund, walking alongside their owners, enjoying each others' company.The sputtering of an auto engine that sounded quite distant is getting louder and there at the turning, emerges an auto packed with school kids.The vehicle zooms past me and I mutter a word of prayer for those inside. A kid is eagerly waiting at the gate for the school bus while her mom stands behind carrying her bag and water bottle.She runs out to the road every two minutes with eager anticipation of the bus's arrival. I start to wonder when was the last time I woke up eager to go to office....hmm I guess it was never.

I now reach the small vinayaka shrine situated at the meeting point of three roads.A purohit is bathing and dressing the lord's idol.I stand there for a moment with my head lowered and hands clasped, seeking the lord's blessings.A cuckoo coos from the garden behind. A creeper laden with beutiful purple flowers in full bloom runs along its compound wall. An early morning walk in Chennai is a sure treat to the senses.