On a lighter note, I got the opportunity to go visit a few on the nearby Hindu Temples. My Tucson friend joined me which was wonderful because she served as a translator and guide. She practices the Hindu faith giving me insight to the rituals and significance of the temples, offering, etc. The first temple was located in the hillside overlooking the city below. We arrived as the priests were performing one of the daily rituals which included providing offerings, food, and then cleaning the God. Once that was complete we were allowed to enter and visit the God. The God was stunning presented in all gold, covered with flowers and radiating in the candle light. The God was smaller than I expected, only about 12 inches x 12 inches. The ritual was performed, a blessing was spoken, and it was finished with giving us coconut water poured in our hands to drink. I felt awful but I did not drink the water, I dabbed it on my cheek! That just seemed like a raging case of bacteria to expose to my gut to since I am not used to the local bacteria here. After visiting the God we went outside where my Tuscan friend lit a fire and placed it outside the alter. We then walked three laps around the alter to solidify her prayer. She prayed for health and strength for her Dad who is hospitalized. I have to say I admire the spirituality, devotion, and dedication of the Hindu faith. The faith of the followers is inspiring.
We finished our evening with a trip to the local street market. This was fun for me because it gives me the opportunity to see a piece of the local life. Where do the people go to get shampoo? Where do they do their grocery shopping and get their hair cut, the everyday events of life. There was the main dirt road lined with fruit venders, retail shops, and moto repair shops. There were children, chickens, and pigs running around amongst the locals doing their every day shopping. It was the hustle and bustle of the village. I even did a bit of shopping myself.
We finished our evening with a trip to the local street market. This was fun for me because it gives me the opportunity to see a piece of the local life. Where do the people go to get shampoo? Where do they do their grocery shopping and get their hair cut, the everyday events of life. There was the main dirt road lined with fruit venders, retail shops, and moto repair shops. There were children, chickens, and pigs running around amongst the locals doing their every day shopping. It was the hustle and bustle of the village. I even did a bit of shopping myself.
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