glorious hampi

snakey green rivers have given way to the boulders and ancient splendour of Hampi, Karnataka.  We came directly inland from the coast, leaving the rain behind - feels like the first time we've been dry for weeks.  It feels like we've dropped into a different country - parched land, huge elephant-rocks dotted in the swirling river. Temples over 50m, built in the 14th Century crowding the sky. 

Janu adores the huge white monkies flying from tin roof to roof - crash! I've never seen his eyes wider.  The resident temple elephant is his other love - we watched her giving blessings (touching the top of the head with her trunk) to lots of people for 1 rupee. Then I tried and she politely gave the rupee to her keeper and didn't touch me. He explained that foreigners need to pay 10r. what a clever, if racist, elephant. the 10 r did the trick and J and I got a very loving pat on the head. janu, as usual, is loving it. He loves the disco buses (crazy loud music blaring), tuk tuks and taxis. We have played endless games of bingo for motorbikes or women in red saris!

We have bought a cheap camera so we can record a few rocks and smiles here and there, but I am far from organised enought to do it now I'll go back thru the blog later and update it. This is my first 10 min away from Janu since we left. I feel anchorless but good!

I do love my new identity in India as a mum - zero hassle and a million smiles.  We have made friend with lots of local kids whereever we go.  Janu could do with less cheek pinching; we are yet to learn Kannada words for 'no pinching please!'

gorgeous hampi! janu splashes every chance he gets - this morning we helped wash the temple elephant, Lakshmi. She made waves in the river when she sat down, and we had some auspicious jets of water blast out of her trunk! Janu had made easy friends with locals, all playing with his car fleet. Dad, you'll be upset to learn he has a liking for Indian mythology cartoon books.