Rain fell on and off all week, keeping the sky dark and full. Puddles formed along the roads, making it hard for me to take my usual routes to school or my friends' apartments. The city felt louder and cooler, wrapped in heavy clouds.
I saw many animals around the city. I spotted water buffaloes crossing near open roads, monkeys hanging out by the garbage bins and cats digging into street litter. I see dogs everywhere in Chennai, but they are very friendly and usually mind their own business as they nap, walk around or follow people down the street.
The most interesting thing I saw in nature this week was the view from a temple high above the city. I climbed almost 200 steps and saw mountains and valleys stretching up toward the sky. The air felt cool and fresh, and the trees around the temple seemed to grow right out of the mountain!