Right off, I was not the only one to make this mistake. I think the concern, (ok, fear) of visiting the Monkey God and his earthly representatives caused both Ruby and myself, to be a little unfocused. What tourist goes out without checking the power level on their camera batteries? After taking a cab to the Viceregal lodge, (or the Indian Institute for Advanced Studies (IIAS)), and taking the first picture I noticed a little flashing red light in the upper right corner, not a good sign. I let Ruby know, and he suggested that I save my batteries for the visit to Jakhoo temple (Monkey God). He then mentioned that his batteries were only half charged, and before the end of our guided tour his light started flashing red. I guess you could say that between the two of us we were working with a just under a full set.
Anyway, this was our first visit to the Viceregal lodge, I have an excuse, first time in the country, but I am not sure about Ruby, I guess he was too busy cruising the chicks on the mall, wearing his smuggled clothing. The walk to the temple is identified as a classic Shimla walk which is a short (4km) relatively flat walk from the ridge, (or Scandal point); however, in the interest of getting as much in as possible, we cabbed it. I have to say that if this is relatively flat, then growing up in Manitoba has given me a serious case of "making a mountain out of a molehill".
As we approached the grounds, I immediately realized why the British Raj and the Indian Prime Ministers choose this location as their summer get away. This building and the manicured lawns would fit right into any English estate without raising so much as an eyebrow. It is amazing that this building, which has so much history, the agreement to separate India and Pakistan was signed (we saw the room and the table on which the document was signed) is now used by visiting scholars as a research institute who live in the main building on the second and third floors between 3 months and 3 years. I am sure this was not the first time a library has been converted from rooms which originally had other purposes, but I am sure no other library can claim it served as a dining hall to such famous guests as Queen Victoria and Mahatma Gandhi, (at different meals I am sure). It is probably one of the few libraries in the world which can boast Belgium chandeliers from the 19th century.
Like a typical Canadian, whenever Canada or Canadians are mentioned anywhere there is a little moment of pride. This happened when I came across the Earl of Elgin, a good old Montreal born boy who was the Viceroy from 1894 to 1899, way to go Victor. Anyway, it turns out that during his tenure India suffered a bubonic plague and a famine which affected over 70 million people. I can only hope Canadian will not affect the country in a similar fashion.
Next, the Monkey God temple, or otherwise known as the highest location in Shimla. I have to admit that I was also feeling a little apprehensive about the visit. Especially, since we were not carrying nuts to trade for any items that were snatched off our persons, (glasses, hats, cameras ...). Even though they are vegetarian, and would not bite, in life there are no guarantees, I was also told to not freak out if one jumped on my leg, since they can sense fear, and to not look at them just keep my eyes on the ground. In my defense, it was this type of advice that heightened my level of concern, and the fact that they are intelligent, and can act in groups. At this time I am not sure if I was overly concerned, since I did feed the monkeys, (and no this does not mean anything else), but I did see a monkey holding a set of glasses, and one of the guides (?) was trying to get them back with a bribe, a little bag of temple offering's that he showed, but did not give to the junior member of the Jakhoo Mafia.
Since there are no big outings, or trips planned before I head onto my next destinations, my next post could be a day or two in the making. I will try to caption some of the pictures posted, and look at putting up links to my GPS tracking log.
Next: ????????
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1 comment:
Cim:
The walk from Scandal Point to IIAS is relativeky flat and not to the temple, as you state. The walk to the temple is the steepest in that town.
Also, you say that the monkeys are vegetarian and hence wouldn't bite. It is true they are vegetarian BUT they bite my friend. I remember when I was five years old, one day, me and a friend of mine were chased by a monkey who ultimately caught up on my friend and sunk his (her) teeth deep into my friend's leg. The friend had to get rabies injections. If they didn't bite why would one be afraid of them?
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