105 Degrees Fahrenheit
Toothless smiles from grandmas old with age, sheepish grins from children with forced bob cuts, and curious stares from men of all ages lined the pot hole riddled streets of Madurai. The stifling heat kept most bugs at bay while cows, goats, dogs and people alike wandered the bustling streets edge. Whether it be in search of shade, a cool drink, biryani or a tailor to fit newly purchased fabrics, everyone moved lazily and with little urgency. The sultriness of the air made a quick saunter throughout the city impractical, as too much sweat would be lost at the cause of just another days strain. But the heat did not halt activity. Not in the slightest. Roadside stands pumped out bottle after bottle of cane juice, markets filled with fruits, sweets, and fresh cuts of mutton allowed people to buy their hearts contempt, and squatting women sold piles of fresh jasmine for a lady to mark her wealth through a fragrant centerpiece. But the roads were not ...