Sunday

Sunday I went out to Karla and Bhaja caves which are ancient Bhuddist caves up in the mountains.

It has been raining overnight so there were many waterfalls.

The Karla caves are too commercial and someone built the colorful Hindu temple right in front. One guy declared himself my tour guide then asked for payment afterwards. Claimed his normal fee is 500 Rs but he'd accept 300 Rs. I ended up paying him 150 Rs. He was quite nice actually.

The inside of the cave is quite impressive. There are rooms for monks to chant / meditate. The echo must have been quite nice.

Several carvings in the rock.



Then we drove to the Bhaja caves. Needed to cross the railroad tracks.

Tons of college students enjoying the waterfalls.

Many lovely waterfalls during the monsoon season.

Lovely view of the rice farms.


Main cave at Bhaja.

Ceiling has ribs made of wood. Outer area would also have been made of wood which rotted away long ago.



People tease me that the contract on their camera is not working properly... I am too white.

I like my new jacket.

Nice flowers along a little stream.

Oxen waiting for work.

My driver. Turns out he truly is a driver and not a hiker. He found a nice spot to sit and wait for me while I climb the mountains.



Two friendly yet opportunistic boys wanted to charge me 5 Rupees to use the restroom. I countered with 1 Rs (2.25 cents), the going rate. They lowered their price to 3 Rs, no less they claimed. I offered 2 Rs, one for each of them. The line started backing up and if anyone passed me then the boy's scheme would be up. They finally gave in.

Now all of this price negotiation was after the boys excitedly greeted me with, "Hello! Where are you from?" and wanting to shake my hand. I answered their questions yet countered their handshake proposal with a "Namaste" greeting instead. That was just general friendliness and curiosity... then came business: "Five Rupees for you!"

Along the route we drove by a large weapons ordinance factory. In addition to large signs announcing their location they also have a billboard and huge ISO 9001 certification sign.

What I love about the sign is at the bottom it says:
Visitors Entrance:
<-- This way to the Guest House
<-- This way to the Pyro House

Perhaps my company could book me a room in the Pyro House next trip???