Week 49

14 July

We are sitting at the east entrance of the Brahmaneshwar Temple in Bhubaneshwar, a fine example of a panchayatana temple. We later visited the sun temple at Konarak, a much larger and more famous temple (but, alas, not a panchayatana temple).

15 July

We have come to know Kingfisher Airlines pretty well on our domestic flights here in India. Even the flight attendants recognize us. This is a picture of flight in motion from my window seat.

16 July

We’re now back in McLeod Ganj for the remainder of our time in India. Stephen was thrilled with his successful receipt of over 20 kilos of books at the local post office.

17 July

Several of us visited the local Anglican church services at the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, Upper Dharamsala (another name for McLeod Ganj), a 40-minute walk for us on the other side of town. A woman gave a very lovely message on redemption, and the members were very friendly and welcoming.

18 July

We’re taking advantage of our remaining time here to go exploring in different directions. From Bhagsu Road one can look beyond the colorful Buddhist prayer flags toward the town of McLeod Ganj rising up the hill in the distance.

19 July

We watched men (mostly) gathering to exchange empty propane bottles for full ones. The man on the truck lifts the empty cans and lowers full cans in exchange for an official-looking receipt.

20 July

Today we completed our walk to Bhagsu and visited the Hindu Bhagsunag temple with the offerings to the deity Shiva, which ultimately go to the priests. Be sure to ask Stephen about his memorable experience in seeing the last Harry Potter movie!