My Crazy St. Patrick’s Day Journey: Jonny Blair Goes From Chennai to Blair, India

CHENNAI – BLAIR (JONNY – BLAIR) – direct flight.

When I realised there was a direct flight between Chennai and Port Blair, I had a quick check of the prices and pondered over whether I could do this crazy journey, only because it sounded like my name. It seemed like the only chance in life I would get to do it, so I opted for it. Jonny to Blair. 17th March. St. Patrick’s Day. Ridiculous.

I would be flying from Chennai to Port Blair. When said quickly, this can be a Jonny Blair flight. A Chennai – Blair journey. Chennair Blair, are you gegging me? When I went to check in, the staff had to double take everything – Chennai Jonny Blair Blair. Blair to Blair? Is it a joke?

Certainly not Sir! So after checking into the quirky Elements Hostel in Chennai, a city formerly called Madras, I hunted down some flights and ended up spending only a night in Chennai as I was off to Port Blair next. This was just too ridiculous.

I was leaving the Indian mainland after three weeks, on St. Patrick’s Day and there was an emotional farewell on route as well. The whole ordeal was in line with my barmy life so far. I simply can’t really explain things well on here just yet, but life has changed for me since I came to India.

And you know what, I’m done with backpacking for a bit, I really am. First beer of the day in at Irish House, Chennai Airport.

So without further ado, Jonny Blair is off from Chennai to Blair. Yes, just because it sounds like my name. I’ll be starting off in Port Blair after getting my entry permit and then I will spend my first night in the capital at the Hotel Marine View. Then I am looking for a couple of days of luxury in a tranquil resort at Corbyn’s Cove, staying at the Peerless Sarover Portico Resort and can’t wait.

“I hear you call my name and it feels like home” – Madonna.

“TK Rantie baby, TK Rantie oooh” – AFC Bournemouth fans.

“Work is the curse of the drinking classes” – Oscar Wilde.

“I spent most of my money on girls, booze and fast cars. The rest of it, I wasted” – Belfast Child, George Best.