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Published: October 2nd 2009
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Both woke up as the train entered ours, and the final, station - everyone else was all packed up, beds back to normal, ready to go, nobody thought it might be a good idea to wake us at least a wee bit before. Had to get up, pack up sheet, find bag etc. and go, without really waking up - was not in good mood! Just threw on sunglasses and stumbled along after everyone. Think got auto to hotel - all a bit hazy - and checked in. Had a couple of hours to freshen up, get breakfast etc. so showered, had a coule of crackers, and washed some underwear.
Met around 10.30am when we discovered it was Natalie's 31st birthday when Chandra had a cake for her which was really nice. After having some cake for breakfast we set off on a walk to the Mysore Palace where we had a tour round. A few girls came up to me and were pointing at my ankle - they were trying to tell me that I had lost an anklet but actually I'd just chosen to wear only one. Didn't bother with pics and got annoyed at all the pushy
Natalie's cake
Was very nice of Chandra to get a cake tourists but had a guide so just followed tour around. Was a beautiful Palace with lots of stained glass from a Glasgow company, MacFarlane. Coming from Glasgow I found this interesting and looked into it more discovering the company was Walter MacFarlane's Saracen Foundry. His former mansion in Glasgow has now been converted into a Palace of Weddings and it's windows in fish-scale patterns and domed roofs incorporating stained glass are also the work of Macfarlane's factory, some resembling ironwork in the Durbar Hall of Mysore Palace.
After the tour we tried to find a fruit market but Chandra wasn't clear on directions so we asked when thought may be close. Were told it is closed but an incense one was nearby. Headed to that and asked again when thought we were close. Driver guy said about a kilometer and proceeded to follow us around saying he'd take us for RS20. Even parked and came across again at one point. We walked some more and another guy started chatting and said it was a further 10 minutes walk. We (me Sarah Natalie) were all tired and hungry so got an auto back and after declining the drivers offer of
hash went to Park Lane Hotel for some lunch.
Later went out an hour or so drive to Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura where we had a great guide who explained things about the main Gods and Godesses really well and clearly and even quizzed us on them! Was a beautiful place and took lots of pictures - the craftsmanship is amazing, such talented sculptors from.
Mysore Dasara festival is celebrated in September and October, during which artists perform on a stage set up in the palace grounds and to celebrate this festival the Palace is illuminated with more than 96,000 lights during these months. So, in the evening we went to see the palace illuminated then had dinner at Raji's - he was our host but don't remember him when he met us at station as was sleeping on my feet. He and his family were great hots and we had the most delicious Biriani. Dessert was very sweet so couldn't finish - Sarah had extra gulab jamun against her will. I felt I did well as one was custardy with banana -not a huge fan of either! Went back and were in bed at 9.30pm.
General
Sculpture
Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura thoughts for today
- sluggish start:seriously bad first thing especially when had zero time to wake up
- educational day
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