Day 6, One Week Away: Coffee, Cheese, and Historical Charm

It’s hard to believe the group has been away from Canada for a whole week! By now, everyone has shaken off any lingering jet lag or travel-related fatigue and found their stride on Indian soil.

With less than a week left to wrap up our report, the team has shifted into high gear. Today was packed with work, featuring two insightful interviews—both with Aurovilians. One interviewee was a local business owner, while the other, a social researcher, shared valuable perspectives that are sure to enrich our findings.

In between work sessions, we made time for a visit to Marc’s Café, a gem along the Auroville Access Road in Kuilapalayam. This spot serves some of the best coffee and baked goods you’ll find anywhere. The cappuccino and chocolate brownie were standouts for me, and their hearty breakfast menu, featuring eggs, bacon, and toast, was a welcome departure from the (delicious but different) Indian-style breakfasts at our guest house.


The team took a well-deserved break in the evening and headed to Pondicherry for some relaxation and exploration. Ajay, the fantastic travel guide/professor, surprised us with snacks before we left, including some incredible cheese sourced right from Auroville. This prompted the quote of the day from Maeve, our resident pharmacist: “The funkier the cheese, the less lactate.” A new scientific breakthrough for some of us! 

In Pondy, Ajay led us to one of his favorite spots: the Villa Shanti Hotel and Restaurant. The evening did not disappoint! The drinks were expertly crafted, the food was delicious, and the architecture of the old French colonial building was stunning.


Tomorrow marks our first interview-free day since Sunday, giving us time to focus on report writing. The work continues, but for now, we’re grateful for the balance of productivity and memorable moments. Stay tuned!

Good times update: Po-tay-toes! Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew! 

Bad times update: Work, work, work! 

Music of the day: Every genre but jazz, to Ajay’s dismay, AGAIN

Comments

  1. WendyDecember 8, 2024 at 8:29 AM

    The picture Ajay with the elephant stuffed animal is very cute! Dan looks so happy in the first picture :)

    ReplyDelete

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