January 8

We boarded the train last night, and left around ten pm. Jeff and I are in the same car, but he is berth #8, I'm berth #64. We both were able to sleep some. We arrived at Ramanathapuram around 410 am. We hired a tuk-tuk, around 430, to take us on into Rameswaram. It is a hour plus ride – not the most comfortable way to get there but the “natural AC” felt invigorating. We arrived at our hotel, Hotel Rameswaram Grand, in the dark it is just before six. They had our reservation (that was a relief, by itself) and could store or luggage til we are able to check in at noon. We have all morning. We set out trekking. In general, this city seems poorer – first impression. There were more homeless about, but we have not been out this early anywhere else. There are definitely more cows, some goats, dogs, and our first Indian pig, just randomly strolling about, foraging for food. This all combines to having more trash and 'natural' waste all about. Little history: this town is a pilgrimage town for Hindu believers, like once in a lifetime journey. Similar, as Mecca is for Muslims, or maybe even, Jerusalem is for Christians. So it is a destination place, and the town itself is not very big – 60,000 population. Also the town is on an island off mainland India, linked by a bridge, which we still have yet to see since it was dark when we crossed. Needless to say, we were able to see the city awaken and the temple loudspeakers singing to bring in worshippers. 

We walked by Rameswaram Temple, as the sun was just sending early rays. The temple complex is huge! The temple itself has a very tall vimana, which is the pyramid shaped structure over the an inner sanctum. It is very intricately carved of Hindu deities. There were some worshippers here, but the morning is still young. We found our way to the eastern water's edge and caught sunrise – it has been awhile since we have seen one of these – coming in over a large number of fishing boats, anchored, as if waiting for the sun to awaken them. There were also a few men in the water of the ocean, maybe for ritualistic reasons dealing with the whole pilgrimage rite. As we left we head back by the temple, which is hopping with believers, that bathe in 22 pools inside the temple complex. The streets are bustling! 

We dipped into a restaurant, Devasthanam Restaurant. We both had two drinks: Jeff masala teas, which Jeff said weren't as good as some: me coffees, which are good but are sweeten and creamed (I like black coffee). We trekked out of the biggest part of the crowds and saw a few lesser temples, also having singing to lure in believers. As we walk, we also noticed sidewalk art (right outside of entry ways) of intricate swirls, flowers, and color. I watched a lady doing part of one such piece. they use colored powder/chalk to make them. Beautiful! 

Next, we ducked into another restaurant (did not catch the name). We had breakfast. We ordered four different kinds of hushpuppy-like balls, three of which were savory and the last a hint of sweet; another tea and coffee; two water bottles; and a shortbread cookie each. Our whole breakfast was 130 rupees ($1.60)!!! Crazy, but it was good!

Now, we hailed a tuk-tuk and went to the end of the road to Arichal Munai. It is a tourist attraction of the area. There is a statue there (don't know its significance). But you can go out onto the little bit of sandy beach and step into the ocean water. The water was cooler than I had imagined, and seemed more hued of blues and greens. This is the south=eastern point of India. Finished, we hopped back in our tuk-tuk and stopped to get a photo of the lighthouse – which seemed more an air traffic control tower. (Don't know if you can go up in it, we did not try.) Also on our way to and from, we noticed wild horses! They also just roam about. But we did not know about them. They are smaller, more like a big pony.

Anyway, we now leave our tuk-tuk and walk to our hotel. It was 1030. We were early, but tired, hot and in need of a shower. Our room was not yet available, but we could wait in the lobby. Our room was ready at 1130. So we checked-in and unloaded our stuff, showered, ate a light lunch, and took a much needed siesta!

We went back out around five pm, for supper and sunset. But we discovered they are late eaters here – as in 730 pm. So we ate snacks at Poppy's and had: veggie momos; veggie samosas; and spring rolls. We each had a lemon lime soda, called Limeca (not to bad- refreshing, but hint too sweet). Needing a bit more we both had a milkshake- one was pistachio, other butterscotch. So we realized today was fried food day, will have to do better tomorrow. Anyway, we are here another day and a half, but it seems it will be rainy most of the time. So totally cloudy no visible sunset. It had rained briefly during our siesta time. With this all in mind, we decided to go to the temple now since we have a window of no rain.

There was hardly anyone there.[{I need to put in a disclaimer here: Non-Hindu people can go into temples, just not into the innermost shines.} (So I brought my sarong to wrap for a skirt, and Jeff had to wear a shirt, not a T-shirt.)] The innermost area has all the 22 pools, so we could not see them. The outer corridor was all painted columns and ceilings. There are supposedly 1,212 of these columns. I didn't count to verify (hee-hee  😉  ). We could see into the innermost court briefly. Jeff thinks busloads of people come in the morning and leave at night, all the time. That seems to be the case today. The few that were there to worship and/or bathe were dressed all up- so many colors to go with the over-the-top painted temple. It was overwhelming to see. 

We went back to our hotel and I finished this blog, with Jeff editing. We did a lot today, and may not do much, due to weather, for next couple of days. So may not be much posting for couple of days- we'll see. God bless to all!!