The Bull Temple

We decided to visit the Bull temple the other day. Like all Hindu temples, you need to take off your shoes to enter. Given that sometime you come out to find your shoes missing, Sarah and I took turns going inside. Of course, I was immediately accosted by a "helpful" person offering me a "tour" and commentary. At the end he wanted 500 Rs ( about $13) I said No. He then thought 300 Rs would be "fair" since my country was rich. I said no I would give him 200 (still about $5 and quite generous for what he did). I then said he could have another 200Rs if he gave Sarah a tour, which he did. Hoping she would give him more, he told her that US dollars were good and asked that she give him US dollars. Finding out that none were coming, he shook her hand and left.

Candle Tree in Lalbagh Garden

Back to Lalbagh Gardens again. I've never seen a tree like this. Its called a candle tree. The flowers grow right out of the bark. Note the long green pod on the last picture. I was wishing there were some that were on the ground so I could see what the seeds of the tree looked like.

Cochin Streets

Here are some shots of the streets in Cochin. I especially like the one with the doors and the woman in her salwar kameez.

Ganesh Neighborhood Party

The celebration brought out the neighbors and featured children performing song and dance for the crowd.

Ganesh Celebration

Here ar esome of the children in the neighborhood performing their songs or dances.





Little Nandu is trying to copy her friend's dance. If there is reincarnation, little Nandu has Ethel Merman's lungs...she likes to scream outside with her brother for fun!

Ganesh Celebration

Ganesh Chaturthi

The celebration of Lord Ganesh's birthday is a very big celebration for Hindus. Our neighbors held a block party to celebrate the beginning of the 5-11 day festival.