Unlike last year, the flight was able to take off on time this time and there were no problems changing planes in Frankfurt. On the contrary: we ended up landing in Chennai a little early. Chennai airport has a good reputation and is actually much better than the one in Bangalore. However, that doesn't mean that it is comparable to other international or even domestic airports. Everything is a little improvised and you feel like you've gone back in time.

On the way from the airport, my driver was able to impress me with his excellent English and local knowledge. So I made sure I would have his services for the rest of my time in Chennai and he drove me straight to an Indian bank with an ATM. One thing is actually very practical here: with a normal EC card from a German bank and your PIN, you can withdraw Indian rupees from almost all ATMs - fee: only EUR 5,- with a very good exchange rate. The next day, he also helped me with the obligatory prepaid phone card, which you can buy here from retailers who also sell other technology items such as cigarettes, nuts or soft drinks.

The hotel, Accord Metropolitan, is highly recommended in terms of its facilities, but the service can only be described as incompetent. The fact that my reservation was cancelled can perhaps be explained by a communication error. However, the fact that one or two plates are regularly smashed during meals or that the billing can only be handled by at least three employees on the computer shows a lack of expertise. There is still potential here...

From Monday to Thursday, the office and customer (TUI InfoTec) were on the agenda. Our ODC (Offshore Development Centre) is located in the largest of the three locations in Chennai. Overall, these are only a fraction of the size of Bangalore and therefore you almost feel at home. Nevertheless, 3,000 employees work there, spread out over the relatively low and very beautifully laid out complex. The facilities are the same as in Bangalore: air-conditioned offices, service by our own waiters, excellent technical equipment - like in western offices, but with an outside temperature of 30°C in winter.

The customer's visit can be considered a complete success, as the employees felt a little like they were on vacation. Furthermore, there were no operational problems on the table, so that the visit, although lengthy, was nevertheless relaxed and happy.

Chennai itself seems to be less affected by Bangalore's traffic problems. Although there are traffic jams here too and the traffic flow and behavior is similar to the chaos in Bangalore (see below), it is easier and quicker to get through. Otherwise, the cities are comparable, as Chennai does not give the impression of a metropolis (4.5 million inhabitants). The streets are in a better condition, but slums and dilapidated houses can be seen everywhere here too.