Happily Ruined in Hampi

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Hampi is a very cool little place indeed. It’s famous for its ancient ruins and I thought we may have been headed to some predictable tourist set-up a couple of kays away from some olllld shiz, but not so. The locals here have literally set up shop (school, home etc.) smack bang in the middle of towering mountains of the oldest boulders in the world, and the richest archeological site in India. We did a bike tour of the town. Just us with a guide cause its low season, to check out some of the best stuff. The rest we explored on foot. It’s amazingly peaceful, with tiny little cobbled streets, practically no cars or bikes, surrounded by banana plantations and 3 thousand temples dating back to the 15th century.
Hampi was a great change after the beggars, traffic and noise in Mysore. It was also a good oopporunity for us to get away from New Bombay Tiffanys in Mysore, a sweet store that we visited about 3 times a day while we were there.

My fat bum is being well hidden in the Ali-Baba trousers which I’ve bought four pairs of. I was thoroughly against them after seeing hordes of Israelis in the most hideous prints, but have since found some decent ones that sufficiently keep me looking like a good modest Indian bride-to-be, and keep my blood sucking friends off my legs.

We’re enjoying being away in the off-season. You feel a little more far away and the prices are better. We’re trying not to stick too close to the guidebook, especially for restaurants, because although they’re usually decent and convenient, they can feel a bit contrived and like save-havens for every other gringo and his perro. The best, cheapest, and most entertaining experiences so far have been the random ones which makes us smile.

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Photos

The Thali that caused VV's gut rot. Mango Tree Cafe - Hampi, Karnataka
Looks can be deceiving..

Comments

[mumma]

rot gut suits you
Love team Vom, Ollie wont look at the blog though unless you get rid of cheezybear an dwe dont really like anything with bear in it. Sorry. its true. You both look extremely chilled and happy, I think you could get used to this lifestyle. Funny how some temples v full and some empty, whats the deal. I think of yous every day and have big plans for catching up in London. I had a life changing experience oever the weekend adn will tell all when you call. At least once a week if possible. How is Joshua, I havent heard for a while. JoJo and Mini just became Aunties but the babies are only 25 weeks and the size of a small hand but the medical team has been amazing. Lachie and Millie - great names. God bless Joshua and them babies too. Penny and Rob just saw a streetcar named desire with Cate Blanchette, I just got home, they said it was fantastic. Nessie what date are our tickets? You look fantastic can you believe you are in India!!!!!!!! Wow, Dont leave Im coming too. Great to have teh blog, good job Tom, love you both heaps. Love Mumma and Shazbog

[Gabi Cavaller]

mmmm
"Playground of ruins" is an absolute amazing picture and so is Mysore! Good stuff!!

[dave]

good old mango tree