We left the beautiful Arabian sea and Mumbai in the wee hours of the morning to fly south for the beginning of our two week adventure touring southern Indian.
Shortly after noon we arrived in Bengaluru the silicone valley of India. During the forty five minute drive to our hotel, we agreed that Bengaluru reminded us all of driving through any Mexican city- the architecture, traffic, and countryside.
We were whisked off to begin our city tour fifteen minutes after dropping of our luggage and grabbing a quick- but as usual- incredible lunch of both Indian and american cuisine.
We met our new tour guide, Lakama who will remain with us for the remainder of our tour. She was stunning in her traditional sari and jewellery and is obviously very knowledgable of the history and culture of Southern India.
First stop the Labachi Botanical Gardens developed in the sixteenth century. Reminicent of many Victorian gardens, the unique aspect of this garden was the 300 million year old granite hill with a shrine on top that was said to provide a view of the entire city when first built.
After a harrowing ride in rush hour traffic that could have been new york cabbies on drugs we came to the highlight of the day, the Bull Temple- a HIndu Shrine devoted to the goddess Shiva-one of seven such shrines in India.
Robert and Kathy were both blessed by the monk tending the bull- but who knew - when Sue took a picture of Rob moments after his blessing - low and behold -he was literally glowing - so he may be the next Hindu god that will have millions of followers. If you don’t believe me check out the picture.
We all decided to check out the local neighbourhood for shops as we were running low on baggies for our lunches.
To our amazement we discovered a Mexican type market with a difference- better quality, less people and incredibly no hassling . In fact not only were the vendors very friendly and polite but the entire market was quiet.
Kathy had been dying to take a ride in a tuk tuk so robert hailed one down . She sped back to the hotel to meet up with Mila, Sue and Rob for a late dinner and blog meet.
Six a.m. call tomorrow to begin the next three days of a whirl wind one night and moving on tour before we finally take a two day break on the ocean.
Stay tuned to see if Rob remains on the bus or levitates over it in a yogic meditation.
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