MYSORE 2
Mysore seems to be the hub of what's going on in Karnataka diocese. They are a very structured diocese, and do a lot ecumenically. They have projects of all kinds, and the star one is a youth programme run from a mobile unit that goes to villages, staffed mainly by youngsters. Again, lay ministry features prominently - they couldn't possibly so so much otherwise! I haven't met Rev. Peter Soars yet, so not sure of ministry structure in St. Barnabas' but they do seem to have a woman on the staff. Will find out more later!
Went on bus up Chamundi Hill late morning. Scary bus ride - big drops and high speeds - but found panoramic views and market at top. Great fun! Also Ganesh temple, so wonderful smells from flowers of garland makers. Huge queues for temple, and we saw wonderful Brahma bull with cow and youngster just wandering around the market. Lots to see, and mostly not very pestiferous traders! Oh dear, what a shame we have to consider weight for baggage allowance - but perhaps just as well!
Got off bus on way back at the Zoo. Fantastic - as good as a safari park. Animals beautifully kept in large areas, and mostly in big groups. It was 3.5 kilometers round in great heat, but well worth it. Star for us was a family of elephants. We watched them for ages. Fortunately there were drinks stands (unusual in parks etc) because we drank gallons! Altogether a great day.
Move on tomorrow, this time to next state, which is Goa. Staying near Panjim, the capital. Understand that central Goa is 'heavily Christian' and has some pretty ancient churches - big Portugese influence. Will see. Been from Tamil Nadu state, which is huge, through Kerala, also huge, through Karnataka which is much smaller, on into Goa, also huge. We fly with Spice Jet from Bangalore tomorrow. After Goa we will need longer flight to head north if we want to make Delhi in time.