Having concluded my temple tour in the Belur region, I had one more UNESCO World Heritage site that I wanted to see. It is located about 35 kilometers from Mysore, so rather than going directly to that small village, I preferred basing myself in Mysore for a few days and just doing whatever came my way. I could take a car to the temple at any time I wanted.

Or…I could rent a motorcycle! I went in search of rental places but soon left disappointed, because here they were very strict about requiring an international drivers license — that wasn’t a problem in Rishikesh. Walking back to my hotel a friendly guy pulled alongside me in his customized rickshaw and started talking with me. Deepak turned out to be very cool, and we arranged to go on a city tour the next morning and visit some off-the beaten-track places he knew.

In fact, most of the people here were very chill. You seldom heard horns. It was a most welcomed, laid-back vibe. I sunk into it right away. I luxuriated in the peace and joined Deepak the next day for some fun stops. Our first destination: a “wood factory” as he described it.

The wood factory turned out to be two guys working out of a garage on a side street. No matter. They knew what they were doing and produced incredible work. It was wonderful to see them digging into their craft to create chairs, statues, tables and other works of art.

After that we went to a very cool hidden gem, tucked away on a residential side street. When we entered into some lower rooms, I saw a woman busy rolling incense sticks. Ali, the very mellow owner of this household operation, told me she could roll up to 4,000 per day. He then took us into a relaxing den in the back and revealed exotic oils they produced, smearing different scents on my arms and hands so I could appreciate their quality. This place was no joke and had a very positive vibe. Apparently, many yogis came in here to meditate.

After hanging out with Ali for close to an hour, I ended up buying a vile of oil and 60 sticks of incense — enough to last me a lifetime at the rate I burn them. However, these smell so good and are of such high quality that I may start using them more. As for the oil, a few drops on my pillow are supposed to help me sleep. If that happens, the stuff is pure magic!

I told Deepak at the beginning not to take me to the carpet/fabric/craftwork place he mentioned, because I knew they would be disappointed when I didn’t buy, but he took me there anyway. And, yes, they were disappointed. Oh, well! We had a great time cruising some other markets and even visiting a Catholic Church. I almost didn’t go in, but I am glad I did — staying but a few moments.

The Indian people even make Catholicism look festive. Now that’s an accomplishment!!

Now time for dinner at The Old House. Deepak asked me if I liked drinking beer, but I explained that those days were over. If he only knew. In my younger days we would have had a blast together, I’m sure, but I was happy to indulge in some brick-oven baked pizza. I love Indian food, but I needed a break.

Tomorrow off to the Chennakesava Temple in Somanathapura, and then we will go to sacred Arunachala Mountain and experience many unexpected gifts from above!