Trichy temples

Today started with an interesting if awkward breakfast.  The buffet included Indian food, toast, jam, rice, dry cornflakes...all rather yummy but as the only white face among the busy holiday visitors I was the centre of attention, in a friendly enough way but still. I managed to get my monies worth though, free breakfast is free breakfast!
First stop-the magnificent and ancient temple complex on Srirangam Island. Huge but also under a massive reconstruction project. Dodging builder’s lorries in a temple, very weird.

Builder's lorry

Restoration outside...

... and In

Temple God

And then, delightfully, I turned the corner and there were my French friends, Jean Claude and Josette, my fellow taxi sharers. We spent the rest of the day together and it was lovely to have company, to wander the temple ruins and then share a picnic on the river banks watching locals swim and wash their colourful saris. The Amma Mandapam Gnat is a very sacred site and today being Sunday many families had made the pilgrimage from miles around.

Sacred River bathing ritual - and colourful Saris drying

I was struck by how friendly everyone is here in Trichy. As in Chennai here people are happy to help and the day was full of encounters with locals wanting to stop us for a chat-and just a chat, nothing more, a real relief after the persistent haggles of Pondicherry.
 After our picnic lunch we set off to the Rock face temple, a striking landmark looming high above the town. The climb up is a steep hike up 300 plus steps carved into the sandstone mount. Half way up I was struggling with my injuries and had to sit down suddenly on a dusty pillar, whereupon a young man appeared with a cup of chai he'd poured me from his flask.

Half way Up

I was genuinely grateful to be revived by the sweet hot drink and yet this gentleman refused my offer to pay and even fanned my red face with his newspaper. What a Gent!
The striking view over the city and along the river from the top was worth the climb and we sat for some time watching life below refreshed by cooling breeze.

Made it - The top!

Views from the top 

Downhill was a struggle, although my progress was helped by the kindness of every single person in the throng who, without exception, let me make my slow descent clinging to the wobbly hand rail without knocking or rushing me. In a country where pushing is the norm it was touching to find this care from young and old alike, all smiling as they waited for me to make my painstaking way to the bottom.

The way back down

I bid another fond farewell to my French friends as dusk fell, making hopeful plans to meet in Madurai as they leave tomorrow whilst I stay here for a few days to take it easy. Admittedly today wasn't taking it easy.... but it's been great fun to be with a couple of a similar age. Our mutual language difficulties have been no problem, we have laughed together, admired the splendid sights of Trichy together and shared a most enjoyable day.