From the High Red Roof
Here's a typical aerial view of Pondicherry (well, from the top of a hotel building). The homes are generally pretty ramshackle. Actually, I was chatting with the front desk operator at my hotel this morning and he was familiar with the composition house we're working with, and he gave a low whistle referring to them as "fancy." There are very few modern looking buildings dotting the landscape in Pondicherry (and Chennai, for that matter). Those that are built up are mainly dealerships, hotels, and banks from what I can tell. Our vendor has a beautiful building, and I wonder what it must be like for the employees (particularly the men) to go out in the morning dressed for business when everyone around them is more modestly clad. Even the less wealthy women wear beautiful clothing here, though. The saris are quite amazing.