Karanji lake. A city oasis

A bad start to a surprisingly excellent day. An abrupt  early morning knocking by room service trying to break my door down delivering someone else's breakfast was not the best way to wake up.  In my bemused state I took the tray only to have the staff want to reclaim it five minutes later, at which point I was awake enough to deliver a rude 'retort'. Which worked so well half an hour later another tray turned up.  More soggy toast, no, but more coffee, yes!

Fired up by a double dose of caffeine and sugar (breakfast is free but frankly inedible, i've taken to pouring the sugar bowl into the coffee cup so I get the essentials for the morning) I was further rewarded for my tantrum by free transport to my destination of Karachi lake .  I was slightly nervous about accepting as yesterday's 'drop' offer turned out to be by motorbike. Luckily this time the car was summoned. I actually enjoyed the (helmet less) bike ride, it brought back memories of Asia, but my damaged hip wasn't too sure so whilst no damage was done I wasn't keen to risk it again.

I was expecting a pond. Instead, despite being in the middle of the busy city,  a sprawling body of green water glistened into the far distance. Birds of every shape and size flew freely swooping in and out of the lakes's islands.   I was transported back to Borneo as beautiful butterflies drifted around me. The silence was blissful after the continuous background traffic din of the town.  No hassles, no hectic haggles, just peace perfect peace.

Selfie at the Lake

Peaceful - but hidden dangers!

I climbed the watch tower to admire the pelicans,  storks, spoonbills etc and sat for an undisturbed time (oh that's such a rare luxury in India, undisturbed time) under a shady tree with only birds and butterflies for company.

Birds on the lake - a peaceful lunch spot

Wild Poinsiettas everywhere

Hot stuff these trees!

On my way  back to the exit I encountered the gardener's oxen, beasts with ENORMOUS horns . The friendly owner was most proud and insisted I pose for photos. Panic attack time. Eventually I tentatively got close enough  to placate him as he was determined. No, he didn't want money, he genuinely loved his oxen and couldn't understand my obvious desire to escape as far away as possible!

Panic Attack!

Near by the lake lies the famous Mysore zoo, a vast complex which takes three hours at least to walk round and is, apparently, well known for rescuing animals large and small and for education projects to support wildlife. So whilst I'm not a  fan of zoos, for the princely sum of 50p I gave it  a go and was impressed with the modern enclosures and what seemed happy animals. The elephants in particular looked cheerful, playfully tossing grass around in the sun, a great contrast to the sad elephants touted for tourist trekking at the Palace.

Rescued Elephants

Alternative Monkey

Look at those teeth! 

and other Interesting birds!

There were two downsides ; the toilets were the worst I'd seen in this city, filthier than the animal's lovingly tended homes, plus I had a near miss with a pickpocket.  I was watching the elephants with pleasure when my instincts kicked in and I turned just in time as a hand was reaching inside my rucksack. I hadn't heard a sound from the man behind me but as I swung round he disappeared as suddenly as he'd materialised. Close call.

It's my final day in Mysore. I celebrated hanging on to my purse with a very western ice cream from the city's KFC in the a/c mall overlooking the Palace and then a very Indian badam lolly from a 'cool' stall.

My city guide proudly declares:

Mysore is a majestic, mysterious and mesmerising city, inheriting Indian tradition with modernity and combining an everlasting youthful spirit with dignified ambience.
And to be honest that's not too unfair a description.

Tomorrow I head to Bangalore. I'm staying with a contact from Soroptomists International for a few days and then they have arranged for me to stay two nights at the members only Bangalore Club. This has the ultimate Indian luxury: a swimming pool. I'm planning on doing no more than sitting, swimming and reading for 48 hours before I head to Calcutta.

Wifi may be an issue. Blogs to be continued but will appear as and when I can sort the technology.   After being alone for many weeks it will be odd to be with a family tomorrow but these women from India's Soroptomists clubs have been so kind. Another contact in Kolkata has arranged a guest house for me there and is even meeting me at the airport to ensure my safety.  All this just after I sent the clubs an email asking for advice. Both cities seem very daunting so fingers crossed it all works out well.  Watch this space...