The only train with seats available leaving to Kolkata is on Tuesday afternoon, and so we have a few more days to explore Hampi before this huge journey from east to west begins. The ride is 31 hours on the Howrah Express, two top bunks, and one in the middle.The river in Hampi rose overnight, there is a dam upstream we are told, and now when the ferry (a small motorboat) drops us, there is a short wade to the shore. We have also been swimming in a reservoir nearby, jumping off rocks into the water and drying off on the back of an Enfield!
We climbed to the top of a hill, up 600 steps to the Hanuman temple, a summit with smooth rocks, a couple of lone trees, families of monkeys, and stunning views.
We have spent the last few nights at Shesh Besh, run by gracious Gopi and his charismatic friend, Udai. At the end of the night, they often wind down watching Tom and Jerry cartoons, to which Udai astutely observes, with much laughter, "Sometimes Tom, sometimes Jerry." He refers to the nature of life ofcourse, not just the cartoon.
A little note to Mum and Daddy- you will be arriving on the main night of the Holi festival- an auspicious time, no doubt, but expect madness!
3 comments:
Hampi seems to be quite a magical place; I wonder what you'll make of Kolkata. Calcutta was founded by the East India Company and was the centre of the "British Raj". What tales you have to tell xxxx
I remember the long walk up the hill just before sunset. a birds eye view of the vast sandy plains beating against the rugged rocks enclosing the palm tree oasis. Wish I was with you.
Sounds complete chaos and madness but yet wonderful and traditional at the same time. The story of India.. Look forward to seeing and experencing it all myself
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