January 31

We slept in and readied for breakfast at 9. We were served dosa with coconut chutney, potato/onion salad, and a banana. Finished and decided to do nothing… we rested. I blogged as Jeff caught up on news feeds and more Chiefs highlights. Collected clean laundry.

Then we had a light lunch of raisins, cranberries, and spicy peanuts. Caught up on YouTube. Then more rest, somedays you just need a break.

Finally, we went out for sunset, going to Hampi around five pm, and taking a tuk-tuk. We explored around the main temple, hoping to see the elusive, residential temple elephant… no such luck. So we went to Gopi Restaurant, all the way up to the roof to eat. We had garlic Naan, Greek salad, and Veg. Biriyani. Also had a cashewnut shake- me; Jeff had coconut/ginger shake(these shakes are more like flavored milk with no ice cream). Sunset was a nice display of colors and a great spot for it. We saw herd of goats being led in to bed down (as we have every night at our place.) This was the first time we were out in Hampi town this late after sunset, and we could see the lights on temple and special colored lights (set up for the upcoming festivities). We had also noticed the newly painted boulders in river and now some candles were lit and encircled the tops of the biggest boulders. We got our food and were eating as a drum procession went by the temple down to the river. Then could here a speech (?) over loudspeakers. Then boom and a fireworks display, that lasted quite awhile! When the display finished, we went to pay Kiran's mom, and saw Kiran. He explained the festivity was a prayer for good weather for next three days events. We decided to go back by way of the river to check things out. We saw the elephant down here! We got within 3 feet of her. How exciting for our last night. We went back, walking the edge of town. Ended up on the backside of the huge stage they are finishing setting up. As we came to the road, a tuk-tuk honked and we signaled for a stop. The driver stopped. We came over and saw he was full. “It's okay,” he said, “it is just my daughter's.” They all sat on each a lap to make room, except one sat in front with the driver and Jeff. I counted out loud, “One, two, three, and four.” And they laughed. One said, “I wife.” I apologized, then asked their ages- 13,12,16. Then I said I am 56. They laughed again. It was fun. He offered to take us to train tomorrow, we got his number. Then we arrived, and Jeff asked how much- he said whatever you wish. Jeff gave him 50 rupees. They all waved bye. Back at our place, we cooled down, and readied for bed. Great end for Hampi. Tomorrow we catch our train out.