In Chennai India under Norhtern Skies

[netwolf]

I am finally online from Madras (Chennai) India. Have so far had a naked eye look at Orion and Polaris. Trying to find a local supplier to rent a telescope from over here, as I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to observe here. Might try and see if i can hook into the local astronomy clubs.

The great thing about India is that most homes have a flat roof area where you can go up and observer the sky above the street lights. Still the excessive light pollution is noticeable even with this advantage. However naked eye observation shows much promise of good seeing at the and around the zenith even in these conditions.

Its good to be under the skies that once inspired me as a child, while sleeping in the cool air on my grandfathers roof. I hope this time to have an opportunity to observe with a telescope. I wish there was as good a Astronomy Calendar guide for the northern hemisphere as the one we get for the southern skies.

There are other things to see too. Where I am there is an bit of open land reserved for future construction, its has many Mongoose's in it. Two were put there to keep away snakes and have reproduced. I have counted 7 maybe 10 so far. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongoose

One can never stand still in India, one is in constant motion of activities surrounded by family. One can make things happen here more quickly, one call and you can get almost anything done. I have been talking to some relatives about getting custom machined parts here and he said the industry for this here is huge and cheap. The technical expertise is superior but the technology is still getting there. You can step outside every house here and find a auto repair shop within minutes, equipped with equipment for machining. They are happy to make anything you need.

China and India seem to be set to make every bit of technology affordable to the common man. The local Chief Minister (premiere) of the state I am in has announced he will give a free TV to every home. I sit here amazed that I regard this country as the third world, on the surface perhaps but beneath the surface this nation moves at a pace that is fast surppasing first world nations. Almost everyone here has a mobile phone.

Off to sleep now.

Regards

[JimmyH155]

Fascinating report, Netwolf - keep them coming:) It is an amazing place. I only spent one afternoon in Bombay many years ago, but I packed a lot in - ie buying silk at the market, botanical gardens, exchanging money illegally which involved a nightmare ride in an old taxi with a one legged beggar, and a personal "snake show" featuring a rather half dead looking cobra. :D Yes, a really vibrant place. :)

[netwolf]

Jimmy,

Dont get me started on shopping trips, I am here for a wedding and all I seem to be doing is running around escorting the ladies in there shopping. getting clothes stitched, buying jwellery, handing out invitations... A wedding is full course event over here, I am just glad its not mine this time.

The tailoring of clothes is a standard thing over here, ready made is available but people still preffer to stitch clothes to fit them. In one hour you can select your material (longer for the ladies), get measured. And in a day or two your clothes will be ready. Better to shop around for material (As you can always get a bargain) and the big name stores will charge a high premium. The only thing you get from a brand name store is there brand name, and a premium for there material and stitching, the reality is the outsource the work to outside cheaper tailors and keep the margin. In the end they add there label and guarantee.

This place is a 24hour shopping zone. Most shops are open till 9pm some are 12pm some never close. There is one poplar shopping centre here called Spencers Plaza, which is about half the size of Sydney's Parramatta Shopping centre but has three to four times the stores. It is fully air conditioned, I know Parramatta shopping centre uses a lot of power, but this place would put it to shame. You can buy almost anything there. But then again you will pay a premium on the street price for its location. Still most stores will negotiate on price. Some store chains have become modern and have set prices in all there stores, like our Myers etc and will not negotiate. But even at double the price most items are cheaper than Australia. Spencers Plaza since my last visit has become more overcrowded by shoppers, and meeting point for couples.

Regards
Fahim

[mickoking]

I would really love to go to India within the next couple of years. I have been to China twice in the last 5 years but somehow India always seems to miss out on my travels.

That is an interesting point. When I was in China I found it so dynamic and optimistic even from those who show dissent towards the government. Australia in comparison has become somewhat static IMHO. This is India and China's century me thinks.