Weird Experiences in Pondicherry: A Traveler's Tale
Whether it's the vibrant colors of its temples, the quaint French colonial architecture, or the friendly locals, Pondicherry has a magnetic pull on visitors. However, like any place, it's not always smooth sailing. In this account, I'll share some of the weirdest and most memorable experiences that shaped my journey through this charming city.
Lost in the Rain with Wild Dogs
It was a chilly rainy evening, just a little over a week into my stay in Pondicherry. The city was bustling with activity, but for me, it felt like a labyrinth. I was alone, riding my bike for the first time, and it was only around 6:30 pm. My plans for the night were simple—meet up with a friend at the Visitors Center. However, as the rain fell heavily, my plans took a turn for the worse.
Figures, being lost in a foreign city alone is one thing, but trying to navigate when it's pitch black, rain-soaked, and every path looks like a maze is another. I called my friend, who said I couldn't find the Visitors Center, but my call was cut off in the midst of the thunderous downpour. Fear gripped me, and I turned to the only light I had—the headlights of my bike. As I dared to believe I could figure out the way, I stumbled upon a path leading to a house with a large gate. Without thinking, I rang the doorbell, the loudest mistake I've ever made with just my nerves for company. Before I knew it, seven to eight wild-looking dogs were closing in on me, barking ferociously. I was shaking, not just because of the cold and rain, but because my bike was about to tip over, and the dogs were ready to pounce. I tried to stop the bike, but I forgot how to; my bike's key was in my hand, and mud was everywhere. The dogs barked, and the house's lights went on. A French woman, dressed in a white nightgown and with white hair, came out with a knife, ready to kill me. In that moment, I couldn't cry, but I felt like all my courage had drenched away. She asked why I was crying, and said that it was Christmas. She made me promise never to return to her property again and then took her dogs inside. I took a deep breath, started my bike, and rode back to the place I was staying with full speed.
Lost Silencers and a Broken Tooth
Another incident that stands out vividly is the time I and my friends lost the silencer on my friend's scooter. After a few hours, I laughed at the situation and paid the owner for the loss. We were learning from a local, who was incredibly helpful. We faced a bike problem in a village near Auroville, and I called him to fix it. Despite our impatience, he managed to get it fixed, but his brother arrived and took the bike instead, returning it as a moped. The next day, we called him, but he refused to help, saying he would come later that afternoon.
During one of our tea and cake sessions, we noticed something odd. Our friend's front tooth was severely damaged. We laughed, but he explained that he had been repairing a car under it, and our frequent calls distracted him, resulting in the accident. He admitted that he had lost confidence with girls because of his appearance and that we made things worse. In that moment, even a stranger and a guy we helped had joined us in laughter, and we laughed for about five minutes.
A Safe Haven and a Heartfelt Return
Despite these incidents, there were times when Pondicherry felt like a safe haven. The person who owned the scooters became like a family to us. We tried different scooters and finally rented a Yamaha bike. Every misadventure only added to the charm of the city.
Though we faced a few weird and surprising experiences, the warmth and friendliness of the locals made it a place I'd love to stay forever. I cherish the memories of tans, hippie days, and even the marks on my face. Pondicherry is a beautiful city with a unique charm that can change a traveler's life in the most unexpected ways.