St Pierre is going to surprise you. From the street foods, friendly people, shopping, history, the mall and simply enjoying a walk in a town that feels good.
We started at the bus station near the Bazaar St. Pierre sign, I'm still laughing. After looking around the new market, which hasn't opened yet, and the bus station we made our way to get some snacks for breakfast. Riki had some bhajis and I got deep-fried bread, it was battered first, and they both tasted great.
After strolling through the shopping area, where there appears to be a lot of diversification, including people selling shoes and vegetables from the same shop. One of them had fish tank equipment in a clothing shop. They were also a whole host of seedlings for sale, but we stopped else were. I needed new sunglasses, as the wire I was using to hold them together, has started to rust! I got the perfect pair, and they were on discount, which was great, but not as great as Riki's find; perfect jeans for only Rs 150. She was really happy.
A short stroll down the side streets brought us to a bridge and the church that the town is named after, Saint Pierre church. Build-in 1769, it has stood the ravages of time with its accompanying cemetery with grave markers from the same time. We peered over the wall and then continued to our planned next destination.
The main road did have lots of traffic and noisy motorbikes, but it also has a lot of old buildings. Some were still in use, but others looked abandoned. It wasn't until we looked closer that we saw that the builds were still in use, only the frontage was unused. At the town limits, we found our next destination, a Chinese noodle shop, with a build your own ramen bowl. We built our masterpiece and took it to the park to enjoy.
A surprisingly tranquil area in the heart of the town. Great benches overlooking the stream and a gazebo to sit out the occasional rain shower. The noodles with tea-stained egg, roast beef, green stuff, and Shenzhen sauce was the best noodle dish I have eaten so far. When they open for sit down I will go back and get a full ramen bowl.
Riki mentioned the growth of the accommodation in the area as we passed the 1903 convent. It would be a great place to spend a couple of days, with the town life, great foods and the nearby hiking.
I went a little gaga over the beautiful old train station. The stonework is still in pristine condition, but unfortunately, the woodwork has started rot and with it, the roof is slowly going, but still a monument to the time when rail ruled the land. Around it there are large factories and businesses, some of the supporting buildings have been repaired and being used, but the station and an old shingle-walled build, with its strange benches, have been neglected.
We closed out the day at Kendra mall with its KFC, Pizza Inn, and many fine shops, and of course very well-appointed toilets. A baguette with some cold meat and cheese from Winners supermarket was our choice for supper.
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