I love going to Pondicherry. One drives down the Eastern Coast Road from Madras, and once out of the city, the drive to Pondicherry via Mahabalipuram, through lovely countryside - backwaters, salt lakes, paddy fields, takes you to your destination. You can glimpse the sea and the casuarina estates not too far away from the road. The charm of the French quarter is palpable. The roads are tree lined, have French names and the homes are set in their own compounds. They look quaint and utterly, utterly charming. The promenade by the sea is so inviting...The rush and tension of everyday life start easing out of one's bones and one feels that there is just no need to hurry. A lazy lunch at one of the restaurants (our favourite is the Rendezvous, though we tried Le Club today), and life looks different and eminently livable!! A visit to Auroville rounds of the day. I must confess that it is mainly the handicrafts that attract me - scented candles, pot pourri, wind chimes and dream catchers....I love them...