We arrive into Puri late afternoon (in what appears to be one of the Hippie Capitals of India), grab a bite to eat for lunch and then indulge in a shower (after 4 nights without one you would to) and then a small walk around town and before you know it we are sleepy and decide it’s time for early night.
Yawn!!! Early to bed late to rise just the way a holiday should be. I find the closest place that serves banana pancakes for breakfast enjoy them before taking a long stroll to find Jagannath Mindir Temple this is meant to be amazing the problem is Non-Hindus are not allowed in. It was told we could spy from the roof top of the nearby library but of course with my luck the library is closed on Sundays and Yep! I was there on a Sunday. Instead we continue to walk the busy market square nearby in the hope that something awesome would pop out for me to buy. Nope! Nothing! I think it’s for the best; my bag is not big enough.
This afternoon we make the trip to Konark to visit the iconic Sun Temple. Here we have a local guide to tell us all about the structure and the history surrounding it, just so many things would be missed if they weren’t pointed out, like; a woman with Japanese sandals, a giraffe and even a man treating himself for venereal disease! (Yes – some things are best left to be questioned).
Before we go to watch some dancing at the Konark Festival we make a quick stop at the beach to view sand sculptures, some amazing work. Even after all these years of leaving on the beach my sand castle looks nothing like this.
Amazed at how they manage to make such sculptures we jump back in the car and make our way to the busy festival area were we sit down and watch some outstanding, creative, beautiful local dancing at its best.
Wow!!! Is that the time (8.30pm) I thought I was hungry, time to hit the road before the crowds and get back to Puri for some dinner. Tomorrow it will be up early (again!) to ensure we can get to Calcutta before it gets too late and dark.
Yawn!!! Early to bed late to rise just the way a holiday should be. I find the closest place that serves banana pancakes for breakfast enjoy them before taking a long stroll to find Jagannath Mindir Temple this is meant to be amazing the problem is Non-Hindus are not allowed in. It was told we could spy from the roof top of the nearby library but of course with my luck the library is closed on Sundays and Yep! I was there on a Sunday. Instead we continue to walk the busy market square nearby in the hope that something awesome would pop out for me to buy. Nope! Nothing! I think it’s for the best; my bag is not big enough. 
This afternoon we make the trip to Konark to visit the iconic Sun Temple. Here we have a local guide to tell us all about the structure and the history surrounding it, just so many things would be missed if they weren’t pointed out, like; a woman with Japanese sandals, a giraffe and even a man treating himself for venereal disease! (Yes – some things are best left to be questioned). Before we go to watch some dancing at the Konark Festival we make a quick stop at the beach to view sand sculptures, some amazing work. Even after all these years of leaving on the beach my sand castle looks nothing like this.
Amazed at how they manage to make such sculptures we jump back in the car and make our way to the busy festival area were we sit down and watch some outstanding, creative, beautiful local dancing at its best.
Wow!!! Is that the time (8.30pm) I thought I was hungry, time to hit the road before the crowds and get back to Puri for some dinner. Tomorrow it will be up early (again!) to ensure we can get to Calcutta before it gets too late and dark.
