CHENNAI: Part 3-- Airbnb Travails! (And other trials...)

 On the 22nd, I relocated to my next Airbnb, in an area called Saidapet. It was a very conservative, very traditionally Hindu, village-like neighborhood. It was bustling with activity and fascinating. I loved the sounds of Indian music, Brahmins chanting mantras in the temples, and the train whistle (but thankfully not TOO close or loud!) In other words, a wonderful and colorful ambiance. Unfortunately, more bad luck with this new accomodation! Quite unreal! I was originally going to stay for 2 weeks, but cut it short... only 6 nights... you will see why below. (No pics-- this apartment was as plain and ugly as the last stay... however, at least it had more light, and I was able to get fresh air by opening the front door. Since I was on the uppermost floor, the door faced onto a corridor...but I could at least look out and see patches of blue sky and clouds over the rooftop of this ugly building!) 

Here is the review I wrote in Airbnb after I checked out on the 28th: 

"The apartment was spacious and well-equipped, and in general a great value for what it was. I WOULD have been quite comfortable there, but for the fact that the host, Thiru, behaved quite inappropriately with me at the beginning of my stay. He placed his hand on my leg just as I was arriving in the rickshaw, which was quite shocking. The next day, he felt he had the right to march into the apartment uninvited (but he brought me toilet paper, he kept insisting!) and simply couldn’t understand why this was an unacceptable action, especially with regard to a solo female occupant. He DID finally leave me alone after that, although on Christmas day, someone came into the apartment when I wasn’t there, without asking or informing me. Completely unacceptable. Also, the linens were badly stained and yellowed (I felt it necessary  to buy my own pillow cases), the wifi was spotty at times, and I had to spend an hour cleaning the very moldy fridge. I changed my reservation and checked out early (I was going to originally stay for 2 weeks instead of just the one.)"

The travails just never seem to end!!  What is more, the taxi and rickshaw drivers in this town are totally TERRIBLE, and EVERYONE acknowledges it. They are greedy, deceptive, always demand cash and never have change... and always try to charge an amount that is above the rate stated on Uber and Ola, in total violation of those company's policies. In short, it is a nightmare traveling anywhere in this town. I have to be VERY tough with them, and it is MOST unpleasant! Being a southern (translation: traditional and conservative) city, the attitudes toward women are chauvinistic and horribly sexist. I would NEVER have come here if it weren't for the Ananda Center, which has been my saving grace!! 

Unfortunately,  it has not been open for the week between Christmas and New Year's, so even when not there, I am making the best of the situation...touring, taking in the sights and culture, and just living "la vie quotidienne" (daily life), as they say in French. Trying my best to stay positive through all the difficulties!! 


Ganesha (AKA Ganapati): the "remover of obstacles". You are my buddy, right?!?! I need you BIG TIME!!!! 





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