The riotous Sri Meenakshi temple is covered with colors and figures, each important to Hindu mythology.

One of the carvings at the temple. I didn't really enjoy this temple--it was too big and confusing.

Built by a Chola king in the 10th century, the temple is incredible (although the incredible number of lingams that surround the temple seem a bit freakish).

This temple is chaotic with action--people constantly shuffling in and out. People lying down, people making offerings. Suddenly, a drum and horn begin playing music in a corner somewhere to motivate worshippers, or the sound system plays a voice chanting "om" in a soothing voice. Mothers are teaching their children how to make offerings, boys are clustered in groups hangng out by the water to perform the equivalent of ablutions. Foreigners wander about always looking up while everyone around them is looking directly at them looking up.

Visiting Mariam in Kuwait. Earlier in Kuwait's history, the country depended on pearls and fishing (hence the reconstructed boat outside the museum). The discovery of oil has now turned the country into one of the richest in the Arab peninsula.