Elephants and monkeys

Well-fed, naughty, bold and free monkeys and well-fed, but enslaved elephants, especially the one in the temple.

Submissive or arrogant or both

Last weekend we went to the Western Ghats in the hope Radhesh can see elephants, tigers and other wildlife. We went to two locations - Topslip and Valparai (meaning tail-like rock).

Before reached Pollachi enroute to Topslip, we came across huge windfarms. The windfarms are situated across a pass (about 70Kms) in the Western Ghats and winds rush in from Arabian sea and, possibly, Indian Ocean. Good to hear that India is the fourth largest country in the world in producing wind energy.

Topslip was disappointing. The roads were horrible and I even wondered if the govt is paying the employees. But then the employees are making their own money. We had a very reluctant ride on an elephant. The ride was most unpleasant for the elephant and also to us. We will never do this.

Valparai was much better. That was just the drive up the mountain. The town was very dirty and we decided not to stay up there. But the drivers on the road were the worst. This says something about the character of these drivers. I felt that these people were very generally submissive and that means they are also arrogant to other submissive people. However, poor people were the ones that were strong and truthful. Let's pray and hope the whole country is not full of submissive people.