It was the last day for the Van Slooten Family (and their 90ish year old grandpa who flew in this morning) and the Marriott's; Karen and Sam. We had a request to see an elephant and the nearest one to us was in Kanchipuram. Maybe it was. We didn't know for sure if it would be there but we decided to take our chances. I'm not even sure how long the drive out there was, but I swear it was at least three times longer then I was planning on it being. Despite the drive, Kanchipuram was a success. The elephant was in the main temple, which was good because we weren't able to do much else in the temple other then walk around the outside because we for sure weren't allowed inside. The temple priests made that very known.
So what does an elephant blessing entail? It starts with you walking up to the elephant while holding some coins in your hand. The elephant grabs said coins with his trunk (it can be a little slimy) then raises its trunk up and blesses you by tapping/hitting you on the head with it. And just like that it is over. It is quick and sweet but cool none the less. My favorite thing about the elephant blessings was watching the little children receive them. You could tell they were so nervous yet they held so still and then would bust up giggling and squealing all the way back to their mom and dad. It was absolutely adorable and oozing with childhood innocence. The other highlight of the elephant was when he farted. I know I sound like a teenage boy right now but it was so big. It literally kind of sounded like an explosion although nothing other then air exploded out--thank the heavens for that--and surprisingly it didn't really stink that much/not at all really. Which I am sure was another blessing from above.
After elephant blessings and exploring the town some, we headed up to Chennai--which I swear was another 4 hour drive. :) Maybe I am just really REALLY done with all the bus rides. We grabbed a bite to eat and then dropped the volunteers off at the Marriott. They will go from the Marriott to the airport for their individual flights. Some are going home, some are going up to Delhi, etc. It was werid driving back to campus having just sent off my last official volunteers. Now all that is left to do is miss them, especially the Van Slooten's grandpa--he was so sweet--and sleep. And pack. And clean. And move. And say goodbye to the kids. Uugggh. And leave India myself. Double Uuggh.
So what does an elephant blessing entail? It starts with you walking up to the elephant while holding some coins in your hand. The elephant grabs said coins with his trunk (it can be a little slimy) then raises its trunk up and blesses you by tapping/hitting you on the head with it. And just like that it is over. It is quick and sweet but cool none the less. My favorite thing about the elephant blessings was watching the little children receive them. You could tell they were so nervous yet they held so still and then would bust up giggling and squealing all the way back to their mom and dad. It was absolutely adorable and oozing with childhood innocence. The other highlight of the elephant was when he farted. I know I sound like a teenage boy right now but it was so big. It literally kind of sounded like an explosion although nothing other then air exploded out--thank the heavens for that--and surprisingly it didn't really stink that much/not at all really. Which I am sure was another blessing from above.
After elephant blessings and exploring the town some, we headed up to Chennai--which I swear was another 4 hour drive. :) Maybe I am just really REALLY done with all the bus rides. We grabbed a bite to eat and then dropped the volunteers off at the Marriott. They will go from the Marriott to the airport for their individual flights. Some are going home, some are going up to Delhi, etc. It was werid driving back to campus having just sent off my last official volunteers. Now all that is left to do is miss them, especially the Van Slooten's grandpa--he was so sweet--and sleep. And pack. And clean. And move. And say goodbye to the kids. Uugggh. And leave India myself. Double Uuggh.
