Hampi, Karnataka

  Mesmerizing does not even begin to describe this place. 

Giant boulders everywhere, - the size of your house, everything looks thousands of years old, the people are peaceful, there is a river-  a fresh water source where the entire town collectively bathes and washes their laundry.

  Things are serene. We are in Awe.

Welcome to Hampi, Karnataka. This ancient village in central(ish) India is build around/in dozens of ruins and temples. Many families actually live in 500 year old houses- (and some even older).

 Keith and I arrived here at 5:30 am, after a VERY bumpy overnight bus ride. Yawning, gathering my things and stepping off the bus into darkness, I am bombarded by Rickshaw drivers Yelling- "Where you go? Come wit me! Come Madam! Come!" I softly respond  "...chai??"-while rubbing the sleep from my eyes. We drink chai, watch the sunrise and begin to explore this ancient village. -(still not having found a room).

Because we arrived so early, in the distance we hear a group of devotee's 'Om'-ing-- Keith and I decide to follow the Om and find ourselves inside a Temple, with an Elephant, devotees practicing and these two lovely boys, who kept looking at me and giggling. I played with them for a bit, and they asked 'One photo maam', one photo??" --so cute. 

This picture (below) is a random street corner of Hampi. Several hundred years old, repainted many times and filled with life. Just around the corner to the left was the bus station, and the right was the bustling market.

Across the river from Humpi, a 10 rupee boat ride (about 20 cents) is the more 'chilled' atmosphere. We found ourselves a thatched roof bungalow, across the dirt road from this Rice Plantation.

This rice is maybe one month old. These woman work all day in cow poo, (quite literally - used as a fertilizer), for maybe 50 Rupee's per day (one dollar). Back Breaking, in the scorching sun, in a stunning atmosphere- This is where rice come from. (or one example at least)

Over the next few days, Keith and I explored Temples. Upon reaching the top of this monument, we found a Baba (an elder Hindu devotee who renounces all worldly processions in search of a higher spiritual attainment) - who read palms. He gave Keith an extensive reading, which he describes as being 'benevolently accurate, challenging to pick thru the broken english yet Enlightening none the less'

Surely a moment not soon to be forgotten.

And down the Rabbit hole I did go...

India is Enchanting, Overwhelming, Colorful, stinky - yet aromatic, Amazing Food, Food poisoning, Incredible Forests and Disgusting Streets. Spiritually Enhancing and Hygienically Challenging.

I am Loving Every Second.