At 4 am this morning, we arrived in Chennai... oh goodness. We haven't slept, but we have been very well apprised of all sorts of pollution just on the way to the office for Community Environmental Monitoring (CEM). We were super relieved to see Shweta amongst the throngs of people waiting to pick up family, friends and business associates. Only in developing countries are redlights voluntary (or NOLA at 4 in the morning) and on the trip from the airport in this adorable old school car, we wondered if street lanes existed and how a horn could stop a humongous truck from sideswiping us. We didn't sleep the last two hours on the train so we have now been up way too long.
Taking a walk to the beach, which is only about 100 meters away, your nose is assualted by all kinds of odors, none of which we could properly identify, but stinky seemed a good start. The people we encountered were very friendly. Children greeted us and tried to practice their english.. a group of boys playing cricket on the beach shouted at us until we finally deciphered, "Do you have the time?" But neither of us had on watches. They were amused...
The litter on the beach is probably similar to all kinds of developing countries and just as unfortunate.. Watching the sun raise its fiery rays over what should be pituresque loveliness, was instead a fearful reminder that flip-flops are not the best foot protectors. It is hot here though, and i'm not sure any other options make sense.
Once we get rested, we will post in detail. So far, we are very excited to be meeting some of the Bhopal survivors and learn more about the work of CEM.. but maybe a nap is in order...;)
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