Saji took us all to visit a local Hanuman temple. It was just 5 km away from the ashram. The area around the temple was surrounded with rice fields. I got some decent pics. Within the temple we stood amongst a few people chanting Hare Krishna endlessly. The locals were so devoted/dedicated to the chanting…like meditation. It was trance-like, very interesting and touching to see. One older lady in a sari (which they all wear) came out from no where and started chanting as well. She reminded me of my grandmother, who recently passed. The tears started spilling and I missed her like crazy. She would’ve loved it here.
A few minutes before, still in the group chanting the same mantra, a bat flew into me. Yes, a big, fat, fluffy grey bat must’ve lost it’s sonic gland and went thud against the side of my neck. So naturally, I shrieked out loud during Hare Krishna, hare krishna, krishna, krishna, hare, hare. People looked back and I just grinned nervously, still processing what the hell happened. No, there aren’t any bite marks! The temple is not completely closed and bats are common. From my understanding, bats should not be flying into things unless this one got dizzy as well from all the chanting!
No pictures were allowed inside the temple.
Open doors looking into another area of the temple.
Tomorrow is my day off. Finally headed to the beach and to Fort Kochin. Alice, is determined to see me in fancy clothes so I’ll be trying on stuff I’d never wear or buy! Bet you’ve heard this before, mom. 🙂
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Very touching opening! Enjoy your day. Goodluck to Alice and tell her she should come see your closet and the things you have and dont wear. mom
Nice pics Nirala. I agree with your Mom, very touching, but what's with the bat. An omen or a sign maybe? Looking forward to the new middle name inaguration.
Karen
There was another sign before this incident. After taking pictures near the little table with the change atop, my open camera bag fell over and a rupee coin fell out along with my room key. Earlier, I had placed my change in there for donation. So, I thought that was a sign and placed the coin on the table…then the bat hit me! :). Maybe they wanted the room key! Weird, today I lost the key while on a walk. Scary. 😉
What the plan for the last day off before you leave. mom
We went to Cherai beach…waves and currents and guys that stare at women in swimsuits…nothing different really. 🙂
After this trip I definitely have to up the ante on my choice of travel clothes. People are dressed up so i stick out! Kinda feel like a hippy with birkenstock, a 'monk' style bag, cotton t-shirt and white linens. Good thing I'm not wearing socks and mala beads! Mind you, a lady at the airport loved my self-made linen pants. And don't think it's because it looks like I made them! Haha!