Weekend getaway; Hampi

As these are starting to be our last moments in India, I decided to take an extended weekend in a form of an vacation. Simo was also off to Bangalore, but Janne stayed behind waiting for his girlfriend, who should be here shortly. My destination was Hampi, a world heritage site in northern Karnataka. The nearest train station was in Hospet, form where one needed to take a bus trip further on to Hampi. With all the history the small town has a lot to offer, but I was suprised by the tranquility and nature of the place. I knew beforehand that on the other side of the river, flowing across the Hampi center, one can find much more peace and privacy than near the busy bazaars. So I needed to take a boat to the other side, costing 15 rs. It was worth it. I’m staying in the Rolling Stone Homestay that is located down to the river bank from the main road. It offers just enough; a small hut with your own bathroom and shower for 100 rs/night. At the moment, I am the only one accomodating the place, except for the keeper Ragu, who is the most interesting character of India I have met so far. I’m suprised though, that there isn’t any others interested in this place. There are tourists around, although (lucky me) it’s the low season, but they all seem to rely on the big bible; the Lonely Planet book of India. I have been looking around and, dispite of the humble living conditions, this place has something no other place has to offer; a straight connection to the river bank. In addition to just enjoying the vistas, I have been washing my clothes in the river, and found a perfect spot for myself up the stream to swim and sunbathe in, where to no one can see and which no other seems to find. Besides these small notings it’s impossible to tell about Hampi. Everyone should experience it by themselves. I’m not too interested in all the different temples. If one should be on my path (usually many) I will visit, but I’m not intentionally searching them out. Again I’m more enthusiastic about the nature. I took a bicycle trip all around Hampi yesterday, that covered about 20 km. This could only be done very early in the morning, but I still managed to be struck by the heat at the end of the trip. Tonight I’m planning to rent a motorcycle for tomorrow and go a bit further to some sites the tourists have no idea about. These sites were shown to me by the owner of the Rolling Stone and the restaurant Laughing Buddha.

I have been able to finish my reports and interviews by now and next week there’s need for only the finishing touch. I can’t really understand that it’s going to be my last week here. Not until I’m on the plane starting my way back home. Shouldn’t think about that too much at this point, I’ll try and have a fulfilling last week.