“Gooood moooorniiiiing Pondi!!!!”: cried out the message on my mobile as the train pulled into Puducherry railway station.

That was my wife’s message, and I could feel how happy she was for me. For, I’d been contemplating taking a break from work to go to Pondicherry for a brief spiritual sojourn. I wanted to roam around the city just by myself to soak in everything it had to offer, slowly – a very basic, down to earth, rough sort of trip.

I’d been talking about this plan to my wife for a couple of months, but I hadn’t been able to schedule a 3-4 day break from work yet. All the while, this desire in me to go to Pondi just got stronger and stronger. It was quite frustrating for me, and she could feel it.

Then one day, we got a call (in my office) from a company in, guess where, Pondicherry! They came over to Mangalore to meet us, and then invited us over to their HQ in Pondi! I was more than eager to go, and here I was – in Pondi! I remembered the clichéd Paulo Coelho quote: ‘And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it’. It had just happened to me, albeit in a small way. But it was evidence enough for me to start believing in that quote.

The trip lasted for only 2 days, but I eked out time in between meetings to get around Pondi. Do experience a bit of Pondi through my camera lens, and let me know your thoughts.

Blessed are those who live here…

This bungalow could do with a bit of maintenance..

“Pepsi … or … Mirinda …. or …” Make up your mind already!

Life at breakneck speed: This walkway along the beach comes alive in the evening!

Make hay while the sun shines…er…sell candy while the sun’s down.

Goodies from a small shop where I stopped to drink tea

A cafe by the beach

Clicked this picture only because it has Tendulkar’s (old) jersey number

Must be a torture to be a gate keeper here. Especially if you are a foodie. With that sign on your face all day long.

Bharati Government Park: The park benches are where people take a siesta

Street view at night

Flower seller at Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

“Now listen carefully…” said the elephant

Wall hangers from near Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple

“hmm..nice dress.. what material is this?”

Made in Auroville

The Auroville vision

From the Auroville lobby – The model of Matrimandir

Along the 1 km walk to Matrimandir

The Matrimandir in Auroville

The boutique at Auroville. Yep, Check your wallet before you enter.

Near the coffee shop in Auroville

From a notice board in Auroville. I’ve no idea who Veronique is, but if you want to find out.