Life in Indian cities is chaotic—lots of people going very fast- like dodge-em cars except with bikes and ox carts and pedestrians thrown into the mix. The sights and sounds (and smells) are too difficult to describe. As we were heading out on our city tour, we got our first Iridium page from Martin! What a strange sensation- to be dodging cars and people in our taxi and getting communication from home!
We stopped at the Temple Complex at Srirangam, located on an island on the Cauvery River. The tour took us to the Temple of Ranganathasvami, one of the largest temples in India built between the 9-13th Centuries. The view from the rooftops was spectacular.
John spent some time with the local merchants, resting his foot and got an update on the “beggar’s organization”—evidently they’re organized and have their own territories. Many of them spend the day begging and then go home to their TV’s and normal life.
We bought a bronze of the monkey god, Hanuman. (Helper of Vishu in his seventh incarnation as “Rama”. Rama’s life story is the central story in the Ramayana).
Back to the taxi’s- and we were off to the rock fort. We climbed 417 steps up a cliff to the temple of Ganesh and a view of the city. Hot and sweaty…
It was time for a short (45 minute) nap before we headed off to our guide’s house for a get-together. It was a great chance to see middle class Indian family life…and meet his wife and sons – and try on traditional Indian clothing! John and I looked fairly ridiculous---my “bindi” (third eye) which wouldn’t stay on…and John’s red and white stripes on his forehead- the mark of Siva. The evening dragged on through the guide’s son’s magic show and we were definitely ready to head for home.
No comments:
Post a Comment