The Hiding Place

To get to the cave where St. Thomas hid, we went into a small opening, then down some very tight, worn stone steps. At the bottom was the cave. The stone with the cross carved in it was said to have bled. The nuns came every day to wipe it. I am not clear on when it stopped bleeding, but it wasn't bleeding when I was there. In the same cave, there is a spring that St. Thomas found coming out of pure rock when he was about to die from thirst. People bring their water bottles to be filled from it. Had I know, I would have brought one of mine.

St. Thomas in India

I did not know St. Thomas had such a mission in India. There was Christianity in India long before anywhere Western. We did not go to these places in order, but I am going to put them that way here, just make the story flow. All three of them, the Hiding Place, where he was martyred, and the Basilica are in Chennai. I have always loved Doubting Thomas. He gives me consolation when my doubts are great. To be here, I truly felt I was on Holy Ground.

More wedding pictures

I think I've got it this time! The groom is in the last picture. The pink building in the background of the first picture is where Michael and I were staying.



Or not!!!! The writing isn't quite where I want it. Bummer!






This is my last try. I have been at this far too long. However this turns out is what it will be!

Since I didn't have the card reader with me when I wrote about the wedding while I was in Jaipur, I will add some of the pictures now. These pictures are in reverse order. I saw the bottom first and the top one in the middle. I will add more and try to get them in the order that I want them.

My favorite picture

I saw these women working in the field as we were walking up the road to Ramesh's house outside of Ooty. They looked so beautiful, dressed in their saris and working with wooden tools. I felt a bit rude and very touristy taking pictures, so I tried to be discreet. They saw me anyway and asked Ramesh to have me take their picture. They stood and posed for me. I felt honored and happy. It makes me smile still to look at this picture.

Fish market

The fish market was only open at night. The boats went out every morning, and the women worked the market every night. Michael was surprised when I told him I took pictures. He didn't think I could stand the smell long enough to take a picture! Actually, it smelled worse in the heat of the day. All that was there in the daytime were some fish remains and dogs hanging around. Night on the beach was fascinating. It seemed a bit like a carnival. Kids had glow sticks, rides were set up, lots of booths and lights. Too bad it was too dark for pictures.

Still remembering things

I don't know if I will ever really be done with this Great Adventure!