Day 7

Day 7. Onion market, street scene, woman selling turmeric.




This man used to be a farmer. He makes better money ironing.


No electricity He uses charcoal. Several  people tried to pick it up but it was as so heavy they couldn’t. 

Then we were to visit Meenakashi Amman Temple. The city of Madurai is built around the temple. It is an important pilgrimage site and people come from around the country- subcontinent- to visit this shrine. It’s known throughout the world for its colorful statues. It’s on O.A.T’s advertising — and it is was covered in scaffolding for our visit. It closes between2-4 and we were able to go up on a roof to get some photos.



This is one of the few temples dedicated to a female god, Parvati, the wife of Shiva. We were not allowed to take in cameras, phones, smartwatches, so no photos but I have a few from along the way there








 

Then we went to meet with weavers who explained the process, showed us their stunning work, and only mildly encouraged us to buy. A number of us bought some textiles for tablecloths and several ordered handmade shirts that were delivered later that night!  I just enjoyed observing the fabrics and rugs.

Then we rode bicycle rickshaws to our next destinations. If you thought riding in a tultuk seemed dicey!








Churches. 
Then we visited Nyack Palace built by some ruler named Nyack. Wonderful ceilings.





And lunch wasn’t Indian! This place had a number of Trip Advisor awards. Not sure why but it was a nice change of menu.

 

A number of us opted to walk around a reservoir at night. It was pleasant weather and became increasingly crowded with locals.




And then we encountered pilgrims heading to the shrine.

It was a carnival like atmosphere. 



After that first day, the weather wasn’t too hot. One  woman told me she spotted women wearing earmuffs and a knitted hat. She asked Leo if it was a religious thing. No, they are cold. This was unusually cool weather and it was cold for them. That night it was a freezing 74 degrees!!


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