Elephants & more....

Anne has Dengue fever (picked up in Bali) & has gone to hospital to be on a drip & have her platelets monitored. She has improved quite a bit, but she will spend a second night there & hopefully be back with us tomorrow. Edie is fine & has been a trooper. By some miracle the Dad of Edie's friend organised for them to ride one of Amma's elephants yesterday, with her blessing. Amazing, as this is rarely allowed. The girls had a wonderful time & the mahouts were very kind & gentle. After visiting Mum this morning we went back into hectic Vellore for lunch. It is a sprawling, bustling city, the administrative capital of the region. The Vellore region is the largest exporter of finished leather goods in the country. It is also home to Vellore Fort, a large 16th century fort built by the Emperors of Vijayanagara. The fort was at one time the imperial capital of the Aravidu Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is known for its grand ramparts, wide moat and robust masonry. The first significant military rebellion against British rule, the Vellore Mutiny, erupted at this fort in 1806. A relaxing stroll around the temple when we got back, though it was very busy due to it being Sunday.Read more