February 24, 2008

Eula

Team 63

Waking up in the Lotus Hotel looking forward to a hot shower was a wonderful start to a lovely day.
Hearing one of Stephen’s stories about cashews started our day in the bus.
A delightful time was spent at our first stop. Auroville, which is a universal township in the making for a population of up to 50,000 people from around the world there is currently about 2,000 of whom over 40% are Indian. The prime purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity – in diversity. It is recognized as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity. It has a very peaceful and serene atmosphere. Of course, the shopping was enjoyed by all.
Paper necklaces, head bands, shirts, etc.
Trivia:
Jennifer gets her adventuresome spirit from her mother and grandmother, who were also world travelers.
Birgit had an older brother that died when her family lived in Iran. He was 1 year old. Her second brother was born in Iran.
Stephen has the patience of Jobe.
Marjorie is planning a trip to Dissy World ASAP.
Helen’s movie star name is India Moon. She was recognized and asked for pictures by fans.
Rae’s movie star name is Lotus Leaf.
There still seems to be a little girl under the surface in all of us women, which is most fun.
Anne is becoming quite the fashion plate finding beautiful tops wherever she goes.
Larry, when in the service during a dress parade nearly sliced off President Truman’s nose, accidently.
Larry, Anne, Birgit, and Margery soaked their weary feet in the Bay of Bengal and reported it to be as warm as bathwater should be. Lunch was enjoyed by all at a seaside resort. After enjoying the beach it was back to the bus.
We past the salt fields of Chenai, rice fields, police signs mean’t to reduce dangerous areas of the road but actually appear more to be hazardous by being there. We had a Jack fruit stop and Rae gave candy to the delightful children and their mother a pen.
Mamallapuram
Majestic cave and wall carvings dating back to the 630 AD – 730 AD. The images are like no other in Tamil Nadu. The splendid carvings at Mamallapuram are distinctive for the simplicity of their folk-art origins, showing scenes of everyday life.
There are approximately 200 sculptors that line the streets and chisel their stone from dawn to dusk. The historical reputation for skilled carvers remains intack. The towns craftsmen are frequently commissioned to create sculptures for new temples around the world.
Stephen had us climbing up and down up and down as though we were mountain goats and we finally fizzled out and had to cry Uncle, he won and let us return to the bus.
We soon stopped for refreshments, chai tea, ice cream, sodas, milk shakes, our spirits and energy soon returned.
Back on the bus for the final leg of our adventurous trip.
We ended the evening with pizza and conversation welcoming the return of Peter, who was able to find a little information and possibly a cousin.
Off to bed following a nice cold shower.

“If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.” By Pearl S. Buck