Sometimes I chose places to go by a comment in the Lonely Planet, something like "Tiruvannamalai is worth a day trip" for those who know the guide books its usually not a good idea to go to those places it doesnt have a map for or much information.

As with much of India's towns the first impression is that its manic, busy, noisy, polluted, dirty.... and to be honest it really is that bad but walk through the crowds ignoring the glares, sniggers and pointing and head towards the temples. Dodge the beggars, leave ur shoes at a random stall, walk across the grubby street and enter into the temple complex and its another world.

The Temple complex at Tiru is on par with that of Angkor Wat, a huge centre with mini temples inside and although we dont understand much of the Hindu Religion these places are all over india and are quickly becoming part of our working day.

As often happens the hotel tried to fob us off with the worst room in the block but a word from 'the boss' and Nic had got us a better room with a shower and working western (seated) toilet.

Last day here and were headed out early through the streets and up (well half way up) the mountain dominates the side of the town.

Nic is busy writing the last update on the next PC. Sorry no pics lately but getting an internet cafe with a pc not running on a pentium 233mhz and a 56k dial-up connection is a bit tricky.

Luv to you all

G & N x