Finally getting around to posting some pics. It's been a real hassle doing so, and no one has any editing software in their systems, so they are a randomish set of pics.
I stopped for a day in Tanjore on the way down to see the 'big temple'. Yup, it was big. The town wasn't bad, but there were more mosquitos there than I've seen in most the rest of India. Not a bad hotel - 190Rs - but not much there. Had a really good walk around town with two guys from California, though. Ended up seeing a brand new, white police Royal Enfield and - ! - another police Enfield Bullet converted to diesel. First I've ever seen, and the cop was extremely proud of it. While admiring it, we ending up being pulled into and fed at a Pongal festival at the city hall. We left when one of the guys observed I had about 100 mosquitos swarming around my head.
Then a short train ride to Madurai.
I've had a good time staying at the Hotel Sri Devi, where Greg & I stayed in 2000. It's about the same - a bit of rough & ragged around the edges, but it is the hotel closest to the Sri Meenakshi temple, and has a rooftop where you can sit and look out over the temple. Morning to evening, it also picks up any breeze and can be pretty pleasant. The food everywhere I eat is consistently really good. From simple idlis and masala dosas to butter panneer masala.....mmmmmm. Even a chocolate ice cream 'milk shake'......mmmmmm.
Madurai is a much more manageable and friendly city. It was pretty crazy and chaotic the first few days I was here, as it's on a node of the winter pilgram route. There were thousands and thousands of black-lungi pilgrims, almost all men, but with kids and women mixed in. On the whole, they're gone now, so the place is back to being a fair bit more mellow - well, mellow for an Indian city. Prettly well everyone who comes here likes it, and it's easy to stay and just go to the temple. The temple is as it's always been for me - a place of some comfort, even if you don't want to wander around and stare at lots of statues. There a a couple of inner sanctums non-Hindus aren't allowed, but there's lots to experience. Even when there are crowds, it has a very different 'vibe'. They're very happy to be here, and you can feel it.
It was one of Greg's favorite places, and I can feel the connection here. It's a good place to say goodbye.
The pics are from here and there in the town. I'm not attaching any explanations, but ... well... just guess, or just make up your own title.
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