Koncheeporam

Koncheeporam is one of seven sacred cities in India, and has many temples. This man is a priest, and guided me around the first one we were at. I had trouble figuring out what he was telling me. We had paid the extra 10 rupees (20 cents) to bring in the camera, but it seemed as though he didn't want me to take pictures. He stayed with me, and soon a family caught up with us. I asked the lady if she spoke English. She nodded no, and went and got her husband. I asked him what the priest was saying and if I could take pictures. He told me that the priest was describing the temple, and yes, I could take pictures. After I took the first picture, he pointed at things and demanded that I take the picture! Michael and Aunty kind of ditched me, so I was on my own with him. When we got all finished and were back at the entrance, he asked for money. I rarely had any; that was Michael's area. When Michael and Aunty came in ahead of me (I was reading a sign), the priest offered them the tour. They said no, and he made a speech about it wasn't about money, just sharing his beliefs, so Michael didn't give him any money. He was a little bent out of shape, but hey, it wasn't about the money. Michael gave what the man wanted to a lady and baby outside the temple. Having someone attach to me uninvited, and sometimes annoying, then wanting money after the conversation or tour, was hard to get used to, but eventually I learned to say no, and mean it regardless of what they chose to do next.