Siva temple

Near sunset.

Last night in Hampi, train to Mysore late tomorrow. Quite odd to be leaving, thinking how unlikely it is that I'll be back. Talked to a tuk tuk driver out by the royal centre today who told me that there's a court case going on between the government and the places across the river. He reckons three years and the rest of the bazaar and those across the river will be gone, replaced with a plush government hotel.

In truth the ruins have been incredibly busy, coach loads of Indians as well as the tourist trail. And I think that can only be a good thing but wish there could be some compromise found: not just a place for the affluent (be they native or not) but with space for the random guest on a budget. It seems that the freakshow has left town and taken with it both the vibe and the livelihood of the locals.

Otherwise a day spent on a bike with brakes and a horn:-) found some wonderful roads through the banana plantations where there was much joy to be had, in unexpected chats and the odd temple, rocks and bendy narrow roads which suited the bike. Ended up watching sunset from the Siva temple as did a whole load of others despite its relative distance from the main temple complex. Hampi, not someplace you'll forget easily...