Pondicherry

We went south to this former French colony for Thanksgiving.  We were hoping for beach, sun, baguettes, (real) wine, (real) cheese, and relaxation.  Some of these we found.

It rained most of the time we were there, but there's beauty in rainy days too.  The hotel was quiet (until Saturday, when a busload of tourists arrived) and lovely.



Hotel grounds. 




Hotel room, below, with Will ready for the.....

 

 

POOL!      

A bit of rain didn't stop him; he was going to get wet anyhow.





Ganesha watches over all.

Relaxing.






The boys found amphibians.  They took a flashlight one night and went to investigate the frog chorus. 


There were lizards too.

The next day, they investigated the snake population.

No!  This one did not climb on Matthew's arm!  But he caught it - and released it deep in the woods across the road.

We indeed found real baguettes, cheese, & wine (these are not indigenous and not usually made to Western tastes/with Western recipes).  The boys found ham sandwiches!  We found French chocolate (also not indigenous). Food find for the trip:  Choco-La 

We also found some history.

Roman amphitheater ruins at Arkimedu,  Ariankuppam village

 Fishermen on the river. Plastic bags function as rain hats.

 The beach was not swimmable - but there was a fishing villiage five minutes away.

Post script:  Puducherry was hit hard by Cyclone Thane on Dec 30.  We understand Arikamedu was severly damaged.