Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a city located on the Bay of Bengal. It took us nearly 3 ½ hours by car because of terrible roads and tough traffic. We took a different route home and were back in only 2 hours. It is a recommended visit because of Hindu temples carved from granite. These temples are over 1600 years old and each were created out of single blocks of stone. Some of the carvings were very intricate, but only one is completed because a series of wars began while they were being created. There were an unbelievable number of beggars in this small town. Many would follow me around and call out or just follow me with an open hand. Some are very small children who have been trained what to say and how to ask. Philip and Pratap walk a little faster than me, but I had to keep moving in step with them to get away and prevent them from blocking me. There were also people trying to see trinkets, toys and keepsakes. I was identified as a target by a number of these individuals and practically chased around the park. Philip did finally purchase a small drum from a man. It is hand-crafted from camel leather and mango wood and cost us about $3. Before bargaining, he wanted $20 for it. It helps a lot that Philip speaks most of the languages spoken here and can tell people (politely) to bug off. When we got to the top of the temples, Pratap warned me to watch out for pick-pockets. Little did I know that he was referring to the 20 or so MONKEYS that were scurrying about the park. Apparently, in a very Aladdin-style way they have been trained to take wallets and bags from people. More often, though, they just take the food from your hand. Only one got a little too close for comfort for me. The rest roamed the ground minding their own business. I have never seen monkeys in the wild like that—only in zoos. It was quite an experience. We met a lot of family member’s today. I think by our reception in 2 days we will have met all 90+ of the people attending. Most of the people we’ve met are family members, but some are distant relatives all anxious to see Philip as it has been 4 years since his last visit and to meet me, his wife. In the evening we met Philip’s mom’s youngest sister, Elsie. She has 2 grown children who are 21 and 24. She lives in Kerala and they came by train to attend the reception. They are staying with Philip’s aunt, Mary. They shared many stories (some in English) about what a mischievous child Philip used to be. One rather humorous story involved Philip convincing a cousin to shave one of his eyebrows.