Even More Hampi

A few more Hampi highlights worth mentioning:

*Monkeys!* We hiked up this hillside to check out a temple (formally called Hanuman Temple, but primarily known as Monkey Temple to us tourists). It was a beatiful walk up the hill, with amazing views of all the landscape around us and the big river running through the middle of it, w/ all the rocks and ruins and amazing greenery. On the way up, we made quite a hulabaloo when we saw a couple monkeys in the bushes and on the trail near us...we should have saved our energy because that was just the beginning. Once we got to the top, there were probably 50 more of their friends up there just hanging out. They were pretty domesticated monkeys, in that they weren't shy to come up to us looking for food. Selin and I not being all too accustomed to monkeys were a little cautious, but some of the other folks had monkeys standing on them...I got brave and fed one a banana, that he snatched out of my hand so quickly even my professional photographer Selin wasn't able to catch it. ~.8 seconds earlier, there was a monkey and a banana in this picture Nice view.

*Coracles!* For those not in the know, a coracle (no, not the same as Oracle) is a little thatch boat thing -- apparently theyve been around for years and years and years. I'd never seen one before...let alone ridden across a river in one...with 4 or 5 other people, a moped, and a motorcycle!! Another first. We loaded up onto this coracle boat and got paddled across the river, for about 20 rupees I think it was. It was fun, and amazing that motorcycles and mopeds go on these things. Interesting coracle side note--actually right in front of the coracle crossing, there is an about 50% constructed bridge crossing the river. Apparently, a bridge was being built here by the gov't, but then the people put a stop to it, because they liked their historical coracles...well, that and the ferry business they've established! additional coracle note: it wasn't just tourists on these coracles -- in fact Selin and I were the only ones -- this is the mode of transportation the locals use too.Coracle, Moped, Coracle Paddlers, Me

*Mopeds!* As you know for 150 rupees a day (about $3.50) we rented a moped to cruise around on. Pretty good bargain, even though the thing was a pain in the butt to get started up after a long rest. We rode that moped all over the place. Which brings us to...

*Moped crashes!* Yes mom and dad, another thing for you to worry about. If it's not the kidnappers, the "sharks" (dad, no I don't think there are sharks here, not positive though...pretty sure if there are they are not of the great white variety, and if you hang around the SF bay area ocean long enough those become the only ones you're afraid of), or the malaria...you can now stay awake at night worrying about moped crashes!! It goes without saying that I am a very distinguished and expert moped driver...but Selin? Not so much. But being the brave traveller she is, she took a turn behind the wheel of the beast. We trekked off to a deserted side road, far away from the Hampi "traffic" (there were as many cows on the roads as cars), and she took off. She did great. But then I got tired of walking, and wanted a ride too, so I hopped on the back...and it's a little harder to ride a scooter with 200 pound club of dead weight on the back seat. Anyway we hit a muddy patch, bogged down, lost control and took a tumble. I went flying over the top and so did Selin...end of story, Selin is lying on the ground, with some good cuts and scratches. I was pretty terrified for a second, but we weren't going that fast (selin, I could have ridden a bicycle faster than you drove that moped), so there was nothing serious, but still -- would NOT want to be making any visits to any Indian hospitals. (I hear some are good, but probably not the ones in Hampi I'm guessing). Oh and also I managed to escape with no injuries, just a slightly scratched palm. I'm quick and nimble. And also I sort of fell on top of Selin a little bit. Sorry sweetie!!! Haha suffice it to say I'll probably be doing most of the moped driving from here on out. And Selin I'm glad you're OK. Oh yeah the Moped, it was also OK too. Just a little muddy.

*Friends!* On the train, we met a nice older Indian couple, Jagan and his wife. Jagan is an editor for the biggest Telagu (it's one of the native languages of Hyderabad) newspaper in HYD, and a nice guy. He's also a big traveler, so was excited to tell us about his visits to California and other places. Anyway, we exchanged email and he's invited us over for dinner sometime, which we'll have to do when there's time.

*Temples!* There were tons of temples in Hampi. I didn't really mention any of them specifically, but they're all cool to see. And you can definitely see them, you can touch them, climb on them, walk in them, do whatever you want pretty much as there are no ropes or restrictions. But if you want details on all the history and who and what each temple was for, you'll have to ask somebody else. Jagan probably knows.Plenty more where this came from.

*Festivals!* There was some festival going on (again, details and that stuff, I don't know -- this was 4 weeks ago!!), which we had Monday off work for, but on Monday night before catching our night train back to Hyd, there was a big party in Hampi. A bunch of people cruised down the main bazaar street, playing drums and other instruments, dancing, occasionally stopping and forming an organized dance circle where someone would step in the middle and start waving a sword around and doing stunts, all in front of the village elephant who was walking along also. It was pretty cool to see. Here's a pic of me inviting myself in to the festivities, actually carrying (well, more posing than carrying) the god on my shoulders. Jagan says "According to the Hindu philosophy this act of human beings is a great honor to one self." Sweet!MeTown Elephant


Well that is probably enough about Hampi! I have a feeling I may never write this much about a trip again...but this was my first one in India, and it was a good one, so there ya go.