When I first jabbed it out, this report came out in a chronological order. The account beginning at the beginning of the day. In the revision, the chronology got jumbled, the features of the day that stood out — in some cases, stuck out like a sore thumb — muscling their way to the front lines.
So, my narration of how December 18 went visiting sabhas starts in medias res, the clock hovering over the interstitial space between late afternoon and early evening. And I had set out on a sabha-hopping schedule in the morning. If you are a soul currently domiciled in Chennai and sensitive to civic issues, which I think I am, you cannot miss how Metro Rail work has re-routed your life. And if one is given to kvetching about something or the other, the topic of how Metro Rail is redirecting your steps is just for you.
Breakfast ordered at the canteen at Mylapore Fine Arts Club | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
While heading to Ethiraj Kalyana Nilayam in Alwarpet where Indian Fine Arts Society is conducting Marghazi concerts, I realised how Metro Rail work around Alwarpet makes sure you are never on time for anything unless you have given yourself enough buffer time for at least a couple of detours on wheels, and in some cases, some traipsing for good measure. On account of traffic diversions, I had to park my vehicle at C.P. Ramaswamy Road and walk towards Ethiraj Kalyana Nilayam. The trek to the venue had left a bad taste in my mouth, and a sumptuous meal from the caterer Mountbatten Mani would have reversed it. But my tank had already been filled to capacity, and a meal at this sabha canteen is reserved for another day. The ambience at this concert venue is commendable.
