Hyderabad

The next serioes were from 24 Jan in Hyderabad. This city was markedly more Muslim than Chennai, and very different. Whereas Chennai was just urban sprawl with no center, this city had the feel of a city.

The roads were much better, but the English was not so good. I was wearing shorts, which was a big mistake in such a Muslim place (I didn't know the demographic until we arrived). It was ironic that in some places I was the center of all angry stares, whereas in others, Vinod was attacked by people looking for money and I was ignored.

The first photos (599 and 601) are a big lake (12km around) in the middle of the city. There is a huge Buddha statue in the lake towards one side. This lake looked really neat until we got close. It was actually a cesspool, and reeks of human waste. We did not swim.

The roads in Hyderabad are much beter than those in Chennai. Some roads even had painted lane lines, which were observed in rare instances. Pictures 603 and 604 are bad pictures of some palace.

605 is me in front of a big arch, sort of like Arc de Triomphe. In that area was a huge bazaar in which I felt the angry stares of many at my bare legs, and had street vendors and beggars mercilessly pawing at me.

We went to a Hindu temple on the top of a hill that was beautiful. We were not allowed to take photographs. It's a fascinating philosophy, and I'll tell you more thoughts about it when I return.

607, 609, and 610 are ancient ruins. It was funny to be in a place where you know none of the history. Imagine seeing Roman ruins and not knowing that Rome was once the great world power. It was sort of like that. I have no idea what the castle was or why it got "ruined." But I got a nice sunset photo.

608 is the primary wildlife I've seen here. Indian chipmunks. There are also some birds, but I haven't seen them up close. And Vinod and I think we heard a snake hissing in the ruins, but we chose not to investigate.

When I next sightsee, I'll try to get more pictures with me in them. Yesterday was a work and travel day. Today (26th) is a work only day.

I love you and miss you all. Wesley, take good care of Mommy and Aidan while Aidan is sick.