A little R&R in Mahabalipuram

I didn't know anything at all about Chennai or its neighboring town Mahabalipuram other than it was hot and on the east coast of India.  That was enough for me.  We needed to go to the US consulate to renew passports - which can reasonably be done in a day given the 50 minute flight time - but we decided to extend the trip into a long weekend and enjoy some time at the beach.  The resort was pretty empty and we even had our own assistant to wash the mud and sand off of the kids.

Jameson getting the mud hosed off

We had a great first day at the beach and relaxed in the HOT sun.  By day two Jameson was sick with a fever and refusing to eat.  We figured he simply had too much fun in the ocean the day before and let him sleep it off while Kyle and I went for a walk through the town.  I had no idea that Mahabalipuram  is a town filled with ancient ruins and rock carvings and temples.

Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance
this is a giant carving of 

This is a stone temple within the ancient ruins park -
not sure of the name

Shore Temple

These carvings date back centuries and contain amazing detail and history.  There were many school groups and tour groups wandering the sights while we were there.  Feel free to learn more about it here if you are interested.






























I guess the weather was good because people kept telling me it wasn't too hot.  I'm not sure what internal body temperature regulation systems they have but I thought it was hot.  In fact, when we got back to our room Michael asked me if I went in the ocean because I was soaked with sweat.


But it was worth the sweaty walk (although I am pretty sure Kyle was embarrassed to be seen with me :)  As you can see it is a remarkable place and I had no idea it was even here.  After walking through the ancient ruins we passed a park area that had lots of families and kids playing.  It looked just like any park at home with kids sledding - down a smooth, sloped rock surface!

sledding in the shade of Butterball Rock

There were many animals roaming the park.  Goats, cows and dogs all wandering together looking for food and shade.

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This guy thought that leaning down for grass was too much
effort so he just rested on his knees while eating!

Mahabalipuram lighthouse

There are also many cows wandering the streets

On the walk home from the park we took the route along the beach.  I've heard that people in India swim in their clothes but I didn't really believe it until I saw it in person.  The beach was very crowded with families and school children.  The children were in the water in their uniforms, the moms were in the water in their saris, and the men were either in their clothes or they undressed and swam in their underwear.  I didn't see a bathing suit anywhere.  So strange and it must be uncomfortable.  But it is practical I suppose.

A perfectly formed footprint in the sand.  

 Unfortunately, even after we let Jameson sleep off his headache and fever he was not any better on day three.  So Kyle, Michael and I hired a tuk tuk to take us to the chemist to buy some ibuprofen.  We have obviously been in India for some time because I am saying things like chemist instead of pharmacy and Jameson described his stomach ache by saying his stomach was paining.  Yet, I still had not been in a tuk tuk until this trip.

And, because there are no rules that I can figure out when it comes to driving in India, the tuk tuk driver let Mikey drive us home.  He is truly driving the tuk tuk!  Now all he wants for Christmas is a tuk tuk.  He said we don't have to buy him another birthday present or christmas present forever if we get him a tuk tuk.  UGH!!!  Watch out Brookline.  If you see a small yellow and green tuk tuk driving down the road get out of the way, quickly!