Chamundi Hill (2nd visit)

After lunch we went to Chamundi hill (http://www.templenet.com/Karnataka/chamundi.html) using the two Rikshaws that had waited for us at Geetas house (it is really good that drivers here will wait (for a small fee 10 rupees) for quite a long time (if it is a considerable amount of time, then they simply pick up other rides and return at the appointed time, often charging more for the longer wait)

We did get into a small "discussion" with the drivers when they thought that they could wait for us to return. They asked for a lot of money to wait and when we told them not to (it takes 2-4 hours to visit (walk up/down and see temples) Chamundi hill and we didn't know how long this visit would be), they asked us for 1 1/2 times the fare (normally charged at night time) to cover the cost of them returning to Gokulum (a 65 rupee one way fare). We told them we wouldn't pay extra but if they wanted to wait they could. We walked off and saw that they left.

We walked up the stairs and visited the bull (Nandi). Behind the bull is a cave where a Sadhu lives. (Someone else visited here too (I have no idea, it was the result of a google search, but he actually gives information on stuff, not like this blog, that gives information on ummm other stuff) : http://adieu.nu/dispatches7.htm )
We walked to the back of the bull and a kid helped us to find the person to let us in . We were met by the Sadhu (who's name slips my mind, see the other blog on that too) and he invites us in, after a bit of time (I think he had someone there to clean it up a bit)
The cave was a bit on the small side, but not many of the modern luxuries are missing, including Electricity, a TV and a bed! wow! The Sadhu was watching cricket by looking past us as we talked. The others in the group asked some questions, some of which were answered quite vaguely (like my memory of what was asked) and then we were invited for tea... not just any tea.. Yogi tea! We thanked him for his kindness but mentioned we were still walking the hill. Were were then invited to his other cave which is where he sits for Puja/meditation (it is to Shiva, but by now you probably know this having read the other blog, right? :) )
We accepted his offer and were shown to the cave. Entering from the side we found ourselves engulfed in smoke from all the incense that I think they lit when we showed up (the cave doors were closed prior to us entering)
We had to crawl in as the cave entrance was really small. The interior opened up and there we saw electric lights and the room. We sat silently. It was cool, and quiet. Someone remarked (after a few minutes) how great the energy was in the cave for meditation.
After a few more minutes we left through the other door (there were two) which was really small (in fact it looked like a dwarfs door) we hunkered down and squeezed through.

We passed the sugar cane juice sellers and continued the climb. We were soon at the top where we were met by kids and everyone else trying to sell postcards. I quickly dismissed it all and continued to the main temple. We walked around taking pictures. Some of the people in the group interacted with the kids, but after a while I sensed they became wary of all the "Please give me school pens" and "please give me 1 rupee". Two of the party decided to leave after walking around the top of the hill.
So then there were two. We went into the temples, didn't exactly know what was happening (we did understand the request for money and the shoe people were kind to say they would accept whatever we decided was reasonable)
We also visited the Godly Museum which is run by the Brahma Kumaris ( http://www.bkwsu.com/ ) who also happen to run a museum very close to where I live back 'home'. They have very talented artists who create interesting and almost interactive displays.

On the way back we found an open area where buses were stopped so we took one into town (12 rupees for 2 people) and went to the Indra restaurant for dinner (Masala Dosa and a Chana (chick pea) dish with that fluffy oily bread that looks like an oversized Puri + hot badam milk (quite addictive stuff, almond and saffron milk drink)

At the end of the day I relaxed on the balcony back 'home' (the Mysore home). The cleaners sent their kid to deliver clothes (for someone else who lives here) and when he found I was waiting for mine, he went back to the store (15-20 minute roundtrip cycle) to pick them up for me! When he returned I didn't have change, so he asked me if I wanted him to go back to make change! I told him no... hopefully they will remember I have a 30 rupee credit...