Phillipe Bichon - Globecroqueur

I'm very happy to share my experience with a new friend of mine from France. 3 Weeks back I had a guest whom I met in the Brihadeeshwara temple, Thanjavur. This post is specifically about him and my experiences of hosting him at our house and the way he saw the positivity in whatever he sees and experiences throughout his travel.

About Mr.Phillipe

Mr. Phillipe

Mr. Phillipe is a traveler and an author from Pau, France. He writes about his travel and all the incidents, daily life and also about the cultures and customs of the people. He have been to various countries and places like Yemen, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Egypt, Ethiopia and Northern parts of India. He's currently exploring the Southern parts of India (Thamizh Nadu).

A portrait of my sister playing veenai, by Phillipe

He goes to a country or specific region of a country and stays there for 2 months. To experience the routine, Culture and customs of the local people, He finds some friends and stays at his friend's place. If he is unable to find some then he stays at a cheap hotel.

Phillipe at Thanjavur

Phillipe at Brihadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur

While exploring my own Thamizh Nadu, He came all the way through Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Thiruvannamalai, Kumbakonam, and he reached Thanjavur. While coming through all the way he has been to various famous temples and places like Seashore temple which was built by the Pallavas, Thiruvannamalai's Arunachaleshwarar Temple, Darasuram temple and various famous places in Pondicherry etc., and drew many places and people he met. Also he asks people he meets to write down a few words about the sketch and himself and their meeting. As He doesn't had any friends at Thanjavur, He stayed at a hotel near Railway Station for 2 days.

Sketch of the famous Brihadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur By Phillipe

One fine evening when my mom and I went to Brihadeeshwara Temple as My Mom lights oil lamps to different deities regularly, I was just simply admiring the beauty and spirituality of the temple, I met Mr. Phillipe who was pleased by the beauty of one Yazhi at the Brihannayaki Sanctum and drawing that Yazhi. I casually asked his whereabouts and found that he's staying at a hotel and then I invited him to our house with my Mom's permission.

2 days with Phillipe

He came to our home and stayed for 2 days. He wanted to experience what we do actually in the house, sitting on the floor with folded legs and having food with hand without any forks or spoon. I've shown him our mini garden that is maintained by my Mom. He's got more interest in my sister’s Veena and asked her to play that before he leaves. I took him to the bronze statue gallery, located near the Brihadeeshwara Temple. They explained Mr. Phillipe about the steps involved in preparing the bronze statue of various figures and deities. 

Farmer Pic by Phillipe

Cutting Tender Coconut for Phillipe and others.

After that we had our lunch at my home and then I took him to the countryside as he wanted see any of that. I took him to a village near by Valamarkottai where one of my friend hails from. My Friend named Shiva, took us to his agricultural fields and we had tender coconut in the fields. He was happy to                                                                                                                       feel the core countryside of                                                                                                                       southern India.

Mr. Phillipe with My friend Shiva and his Farmer Father and friends

The Next day I dropped him off at Trichy as he wanted to visit Uchchi Pillayar Temple and Sri Rangam Temples. He had plans for his further trip.

women in the fields, Pic by Phillipe

Goodness of Phillipe

The best thing I found about Mr. Phillipe is that the positivity that he was attentive to. Because many of us when going and exploring new things in a different country and experiencing local culture will always be uncomfortable of the hardships that we go through. But Mr. Phillipe was enjoying the basic common life that people leading in various circumstances. As He have been to various countries and especially Iran, He ignored the negative atmosphere where the people lead a very dooming life because of the terrorism that creates the fear among the people. He explored the daily life of a normal people leading a healthy and happy life however the problems prevails.

Village children excited after seeing Phillipe in their village

He also told me that He never felt so much secured when he was travelling across the northern region of India, But he felt more secured throughout his journey in Southern India. He also started this phase of travelling life when he felt that Life is too short and you live only once. His idea is to experience what all he could in the short time of life. The positive attitude and simplicity of Mr. Phillipe left an unforgettable impression and is a good lesson that everyone should learn.

Sketch of the famous Brihadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur By Phillipe

Ending this post about Mr. Phillipe here.

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Yours East Gaterr