Day 67 Two sides of Pondicherry

 The poverty level in India is 32 rupees per day- this sign reads that if you are over 65 years old, the government will give you 200 rupees per month - approximately $4 US dollars. To get an idea of what that is in India, a chai teas costs 7 rupees at the tea stall, the average thali- or local "plate lunch" of Indian food served at the local style Indian restaurant costs about 80 rupees.

Pondicherry is a former French settlement. This beautiful, clean European style neighborhood runs parallel to the boardwalk of the beach. There is a garden, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques that are a haven for tourists and visitors to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Keep walking north down the cobblestone streets of French Pondi...I thought I was in Europe.

On the north side of Pondi, these guys asked me to take their photo.

 This is Lakshmi. She will bless you, tapping you on the head with her trunk if you give her a few coins or some grass to eat. She lives and works at the Manakkula Vinayakar Temple.

The flower market

Inside the museum at the Pondicherry papermaking Company. It is run by the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where the "mother" is fondly revered by followers. 

This goat is trying to eat the building.

Colorful Pondicherry.

The only beach with sand that I found in Pondi. Due to multiple incidences of drowning, it is illegal to swim in Pondicherrry.