January 1, 2010
Timely photos now. Rambling travelogue later.
As I walked from my guest house this morning, I saw greetings like the first image drawn on the dirt streets with chalk. There was apparently fireworks last night but I didn't stay up to see them. Hampi is a small town where religion is strong and alcohol is forbidden. It didn't seem worth sacrificing sleep or the cool mornings to see what festivities they might have.
The middle photo is a boat that the locals fashion from reeds like a giant basket. That will likely be my transport tomorrow across the river to Anegundi. That's where I expect to find a few more temples and hopefully fewer tourists to share them with.