Time, time, time

I have some of it - time that is. And I'd like to think I have been using it well. Now that I am all a lonesome in India, with no real plan I have been taking sight seeing far more seriously. Along with long leisurely walks. I must have walked all day today, and yesterday, but its been pretty nice.
I met up with a chap who was on the same bus as me from Kannur to Mysore. He is really sweet, and quite quiet, but great company. So, we went to the Palace yesterday, which was really amazing. You sort of walk through, like cattle to marvel the epicness of the architecture. They really know how to do 'grand' here in India. It was a shame that you couldn't take photos inside, but I probably would have used a whole memory card there. We stayed for the light show outside also. But as we walked back, something caught our eye - lights, and what looked like a carnival... we decided to check it out.
I asked the man at the gates what it was and he replied that it was "everything! And everything fantastic!". Entrance was 10rupees so we went in. And he was not lying. The first part was this incredible bazaar- with some of the gaudiest jewellery and textiles I've seen - but they had everything from DVDs, to religious groups seeking new practitioners, to books, clothing, kitchen supplies- literally everything. Past that was a theme park. Gambling games, cotton candy, popcorn, kiddie rides, and anything else you could imagine was there. They even have astrological robots; a flashing, buzzing little spaceman that tells you your horoscope if you put on earphones. I was so happy we ventured in. The best part was that we were really the only foriegners in the place - which always makes for a more exciting experience.
Today Matt and I ventured up to Charmundi Hill. I was hoping for some amazing view from the top, but there didn't seem to be any kind of lookout as such. Instead we were ushered into the Hindu temple. We walked the circuit and stood by, however awkwardly, as people offered coconut, flowers and oil to the goddess. I have never felt as much of an outsider and while I am grateful for the experience, I might rethink entering a temple during offerings again. Or maybe I'll feel more comfortable the second time around. Amazingly, no one really seems to mind that we're there - I suppose its a feeling of really having no connection to what is happening on a spiritual level for everyone else that makes it such a strange (and admittedly uncomfortable) experience.
I was also able to go the market this morning. Mysore has an incredible bizarre, enclosed from the streets and outside traffic. It smells incredible- lotus and jasmine fill the bizarre halls, and there is a faint smell of cilantro to the air. It is really beautiful. Of course, everyone wants to stop and ask "where are you from?" "How long have you been in India?" "how many days in Mysore?" and so on. And everyone wants you to see their stall of incense or oils. One boy followed me around trying to sell me some bell anklets. I told him I'm not interested (which is also code for 'I am interested, I just want a lower price'). So, he started at 200rupees for each anklet (they come in a pair). I kept walking trying to ditch him and it was amazing what happened. He went down to 50 rupees for the set. Well, the offer was too good to give up. However, by the end of the transaction i am not sure who got the better end of the deal - I didn't even want them! Now I have some really noisey jewels for my feet!
So, the plan is to leave tomorrow. Off to Pondicherry. I am pretty excited to see this part of India - apparently it is like France - but in India. Maybe i can even get some fois gras - although I won't count on it.
It is really strange to think that Christmas is just around the bend. It hit my pretty hard today as I sweated my way through the afternoon sun, getting yet another sunburn on my nose that it is December (and the second week at that). Its amazing how easy it is to forget that when there are no christmas songs, no bells, no trees with lights or gingerbread cookies baking in the oven.

Well, until next time.