Is a video call before meeting normal here?

I like the idea, but does it feel strange to ask in Chennai? Anyone done it?

A mall is fine. Nobody has ever complained about air conditioning in October.

I like markets. You walk, you point at things, silence is fine.

I always do the video call. Five minutes tells you more than fifty messages.

Two coffees, then decide. No dinners for a first meeting, you're stuck for two hours.

Anywhere with a window and no music. You'll thank yourself.