Listening to the Heart Beat of Madurai
Yuka Maruyama from Japan says her stay in Madurai offers her glimpses of a diverse culture. Despite the chaos on the streets, she discovers a distinctive coordination. The friendly smiles of the kids warm her heart and despite being shocked at the door less buses, Madurai has cast its spell on her
In the city – every time it’s so crowded.
Mountains of bananas!
As I arrived at the Madurai airport, I saw a very huge, flat land. Madurai seemed very crowded even around the airport, but actually it was quieter than I had expected. I left the airport and soon crossed a part of the city. That area was exactly as I had imagined before coming to India—dogs were lying on the ground, women were wearing traditional, beautiful saris, colourful notices crowded the walls of every building, and rickshaws, cars, and motorbikes were racing each other. Although it was an overcrowded and a mixed place, I felt a distinctive coordination here. I was attracted by this unique atmosphere already, although I arrived at Madurai just a short while ago.
It was just a five-minute walk from my place to the journalism office. Even that, however, is still a little adventure for me every day. A lukewarm breeze wafts across carrying the scent of spices. I always hear so many kinds of sounds including traffic, people, radio, and clucking of birds. Children say ‘Hi!’ to me with a smile and ask my name. It warms my heart every time.
Night time is also exciting. The streets are full of people who try to buy or sell almost anything and everything. The neon signs are so gorgeous and each shop is so colourful. At the railway station, there are a lot of people who are waiting for trains or sleeping inside the building and on platforms. Also, travelling by bus is one of the most exciting experiences in India. Despite the many people who travel by buses, they do not have doors at the steps! Everything I find here is very fascinating and never makes me bored.
I can hear so many sounds from outside, even when I am in the journalism office. It sounds as if Madurai herself is breathing. I hope to meet a lot of people in this amazing city. I would like to walk, see, and discover for myself, the magic of this ancient city.
