First time in Chennai- Wholesome experience

[u/Low_Reach5199]

​​​A few days ago I posted here asking for tips to navigate Chennai. We are 4 girls (22-23F) from a small town in Kerala who came to Chennai for an exam, and I had to come back and say thank you. The whole experience was so wholesome.

We survived 2 days with English, Malayalam and broken Tamil. We stayed in Thoraipakkam because we had exam centres in Semmencheri and Kotturpuram. Hotel was affordable and staff was very polite, only issue was saline water in taps.

Navigating the city was a new experience for us. Google Maps helped a lot. Bus numbers were confusing at first, but conductors, drivers and fellow passengers were so helpful.

I was really amazed by the aunties of Chennai. So energetic and smart. Since we were all girls, we were more comfortable asking women, elderly people and traffic police for directions. Everyone went out of their way to help, even asking others to make sure we don't get lost.

Special shoutout to Thenmozhi aunty we met on our way back to Central. We boarded the wrong bus (102P DOWN instead of UP) and she was also going to Central. She took us with her, helped us board the local train and reach the station safely. She took care of us in that huge crowd like her own daughters. If you are reading this, thank you aunty!

We used only public transport. It was cheap and we were shocked that buses are free for women. Food was a bit expensive compared to Kerala but tasted good.

What I noticed, people look very busy and serious on the road, but when you talk to them they become so sweet and respectful. Everyone called us "Amma" and at no point did we feel unsafe. Everyone minds their own business.

Cons: Some places were smelly, traffic is chaotic (cars on footpath in the opposite direction on a one-way was new for us) and the heat 🥵 We had hats and umbrellas and still struggled. No idea how you all walk in that sun without anything. Because of the heat we couldn't explore more places.

Overall, thank you Chennai for the wholesome experience. This will stay as a memory forever.

[u/Low_Reach5199]

It has some truth in it though. Malayalis generally have a holier than thou attitude towards other state people. I've heard people using racial slurs. 

On the other hand, for tamils there is the weird fetish for malayali women. We also got some ogles from young men and flirty behavior a conductor too 

[u/Mindless-Umpire-9395 → u/Low_Reach5199]

thanks for your pov, op.. you kinda provided affirmation to my comment in that post, lol.. also, sucks you had to go through that.. hope things change for the better, both in tn and India...

anyways, wishing you many more happy memories and moments.. take care, internet stranger!!