circular basket bamboo boats. covered in leather and tar. i really have no idea how they paddle straight. and we rode in them. maneuvering the water just like Paes accounts in the 1500's. they haven't changed since in Vijinagara. turning and spinning like little tea-cups in Disneyland round and round on the water i feel like i am 5 years old once again. he makes us laugh, it's a good break from the walking and history and sweltering heat.
The elephant at the temple gives blessings. no kidding! this painted elephant, you hand her a coin in its trunk, she then puts her trunk on the top of your head and blesses you, just as they do in the temples. this is the temple elephant, who pulls the gods and goddesses on procession. but today she's just chillin, and giving our group blessings.
And yesterday. To the villages. 3 hours there, 3 hours back. watching the world go by on the bus. hero stones and megaliths. stone age tools. pottery. we saw an asokan edicts. and the highlight of the day. in front of the old stone temple. on the side of the hill. a mother goat and three tiny tiny tiny babies. just born with placenta and imbelicle cords still attached. little legs, little feet and wobbly muscles they could barely stand up. old and new in the same square foot of space.
emails from friends bring such a smile to my face. thank you guys!
my ten page paper. NEEDS to be done in three hours. no more time to post.