Trichy

We’re in Trichy and just had the best temple day ever. Went to the Rock Fort temple and climbed up for the view and Ganesh’s blessing, as you do, then went to Sri Jambukeshwara in time for Shanti the elephant’s little walk round with the drums and bells. I got Shanti’s blessing while I was at it by sticking a rupee coin on the tip of her trunk. She’s lovely. I saw Shiva’s underwater lingum too!

I thought I was a bit over-templed and was even showing signs of irritable Indian-traveller syndrome yesterday. I hadn’t told any beggars to piss off but I had bowled a few begging kids aside with my backpack at the bus station and apparently I was aggressive and confrontational when bargaining with a autorickshaw driver in Bangalore. I’d even gone off my thalis and dosas a bit. Now I’m all chirpy again.

We’re off to Madurai on a local bus now. Only 3 hours, hope the cricket is still going when we get there. There’s some bar like a spaceship in one of the hotels or something.