Yes, we are still in Hampi. But, tonight we board a "deluxe sleeper" bus to Gokarna, which is on the coast. Somehow we doubt that there will be much "deluxe" to the bus, or sleeping, for that matter but we'll hope for the best, huh?
So, last night was New Years Eve, and we spent the day climbing with Suvi and her friends who came from Bangaluru, enjoying some drinks in the evening, and then feasting on yet another buffet at our guesthouse.
Then there were fireworks (some being lit by a small child...), and then the burning of the "old man".Yes, that's right, Burning Man India Style. Ok, not quite, but it was nice. There was also fire dancing:
In the past week or so we have squeezed in several activities into our busy lives. We squeezed 5 of us into a rickshaw (which is very few by the local standard) and headed out to the bear sanctuary.
It was especially fun to feel like a local celebrity as we drove through the small villages. Lots of little kids waving and yelling hello, and running alongside the rickshaw.
See any bears? Yeah...neither did we. Oh, well Jeremy says he did... Anyway, still a fun adventure away from tourist-land and into a pretty, peaceful place.
Speaking of tourists, the local police department has put up signs to help us acclimate to the culture and dangers of the area. 2 of our personal favorites:
We also rented a scooter and went swimming in the local lake. Jeremy got to practice his honking skills while driving around cows, through pot-holes, and dodging small children.
Alright, we sign off here. Sweat and dehydration are setting in. We miss you all and wish you Happy 2011!!
ahh! that's a lovely post.. putting everything together! Have a wonderful wonderful time in every other part of India that you visit ! :)
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