Woke up, and had the BEST SLEEP. 7 straight hours. Might it have been the liquor? Sure. However, I think it was that it was quiet. In all of the other places I had been sleeping it was usually pretty noisy outside. Also, I just felt so comfortable and at home.

However, this day is Saroja and Jim’s birthday! Happy Birthday to Saroja and Jim! They are at the beach celebrating, and I hope they had a lovely time.

Woke up, feeling fresh, and got in the morning Y&M. Made my way to shower and banged my elbow so hard on this towel rack like a moron. I didn’t think anything of it.

Had some green tea with this UV filtered water purification system that they have at the house, and we made our way out the door.

We stopped for breakfast with our driver, Vinod, at this place and I got my usual fix of dosas and idlis etc. before making it to our first temple. I don’t think I took any photos. I’m sure by now y’all know what these things look like. But some of y’all don’t know what they taste like. Come to India next year and let’s eat them up!

Our first stop was Kollur Mookambika, it was a decent drive, probably around 1.5 hours. Athai and I were just chatting away so the ride went by pretty quickly. Vinod dropped Athai and me off right in front. We took our footwear off and began our walk up. As you walked up the floor was wet, from the rain, but Athai said it was also so that your feet would be clean when you entered.

Photography isn’t allowed while inside so I don’t have any photos for you. I can tell you that Athai said she didn’t like the commercialized feel of this temple now. Before they didn’t have all of the prices listed for various ceremonies. Now they do, with a portioned off area to start the lines. We made our way around seeing the various idols and saying our thanks/prayers.

We wrapped up and had to find some facilities to use. In order to do so, we ordered some coffees and invited Vinod to join, though he just had consumed one while we were inside.

We then made our way to the next temple, Anegunde Ganesha. This temple was probably another 45 minutes to an hour away from the previous temple. The weather cleared up and we got to the temple, it was nice and sunny. We walked in and the main idol, Ganesh, was in the middle. We came at the perfect time as the ceremony had just come to its conclusion. We said our praayers, walked around the idol, and made a donation. Vinod told us to sit down (so after you visit and pray, you are supposed to sit down, I would think for some type of refelction and show God that you are not in a hurry).

He came back with two tickets…for a free lunch! Lunch was on God today, Athai said. We got in line and received rice, rasam, a sambar with vegetables, and a sweet dish. Quite filling!

We were going to visit one more temple, Ambalpady Kali Temple, but they were not going to be open. Sometimes you can go to a temple, and access to the idols may be closed, but you can still walk on the grounds. At this temple, they were not even going to allow access to the grounds. They were only going to open at 4:30PM, so it did not make sense for us to wait and go.

Instead, we made our way back to Udupi and stopped at Udupi Krishna Temple. While the idols were closed in their ‘homes’, we were able to walk around. It was very nice because we were the only ones present! We said our prayers and took some photos of the grounds.

Our last stop on tour was Kaup Beach. You were not allowed on the beach, partly because there was barely any beach to access. It was mostly just rocks. We sat down on a bench and chatted away, taking in the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks and the powerful sea breeze. The waves ebbed and flowed between being calm and ferocious.

My elbow was then really beginning to bother me and we made our way back to Vinod to take us home. We got home and I did a modified Y&M due to my elbow. I got done, showered up being extra careful, and then put on an anti-inflammatory patch. It was fairly swollen! I caught it right on the part where the tricep joins the elbow.

A little Antiquity was poured, and we began to chat away.

We had some filets of chicken as an appetizer, and then some delicious vegetables that Athai prepared. The food was so good! I was stuffed. Once again, before I knew it, it was bed time.

The next day we did not have any activities planned, so there was no need to wake up especially early. A relaxing day in Udupi to be had, after a day full of exploring and wonderful time with Athai.