Monday, June 21st, 2010 - Day 30

11:20 Hrs. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India.

Today (June 12th) we leave for Mysore and we're all very excited to get back to civilization. We packed up the boys dorms and joined the field site for breakfast. Then we were back in jeeps again for a hiking excursion. the day before at an overlook, Siddappa asked us which mountain we liked best. Haley was very enthusiastic about a particular hill so Siddappa told us we would climb it. Properly known as Malki Betta, we dubbed it Malki 'Haley' Betta. We took the jeeps the majority of the way up, truly off-roading it and giving us all whiplash.

We hopped out and began the trek to the top. Pointing out trees along the way, Siddappa showed us a fruit that elephants eat essentially as an aphrodesiac. It makes bulls more aggressive and active. Before I could write anything down, much of the group had moved on. "What was it called?" I asked to no one in particular. "I think they said 'Carria Arboria'" Lisa responded. I pressed on. Whatever trail had been present had disappeared. We were fighting a literally uphill battle with the Lantana forest before us. Eventually we reached a small rocky outcrop to rest. Siddappa came up behind us carrying a small plant. "This is a plant commonly used by tribals and is supposed to improve memory when eaten, I'll give it to whoever remembers the name of the elephant tree..."

"Carria Arboria...?" I threw out... "Wonderful!" Siddappa shouted. I won myself a little memory booster (a leaf) to eat. I gave Lisa a head nod. "What was the name of the memory plant?" people asked me later...

I couldn't remember.

Continuing on, we took another few rest stops at beautiful views, held some giant millipedes (been there done that), ate some fresh Amla fruits, caught a glimpse of a sambar poking his head out of tall grass, and sat in some light rain for awhile before finishing the final 30 or so meter hike to the top. We relaxed for awhile at the top and let the clouds pass through us. Siddappa asked us to sing, and upon realizing we had my iPod and Bradley's speakers, we reunited the band and pulled out a long overdue Bohemian Rhapsody from the vaults. Freddie would have given us a 10 out of 10 just for shear passion. After a small tribute to the Beatles as well, we trekked back down. Indo Crew: 1, Lantana: 0.

We returned to where the jeeps were to see only one. So half of us began the incredibly muddy trek back along elephant-made paths. Passing smiling Soligas hard at work along the route, the jeep returned to pick us up at a small village. We returned back to the filed site for our last meal in BRT. Something should be said for this place; a well decorated lush site. Despite the difficult accomodations, I'd love to return to see the true wealth and happiness of the Soliga people.

We loaded the van and were off to Mysore. The halfway point of the program. Congrats readers. Ya made it this far. It became a reminder for all of us of how much we had done, how long 3 weeks had felt like, and how long before I see home again...This time around, we watched all of Ongbok 2. There are no words for that movie. Watch at your own risk.

First impressions of Mysore were favorable. A faint echo of Bangalore but more variety in architecture, more smiling people, and much less pollution. I mean some pollution...just...less... ;) We give it two thumbs up. The drive was only about 3 hours.

After some driving, we spotted a Baskin Robbins. The luxuries of home trumpeted like an elephant out to us in the bus in the liquid form of salivation. It got better. Connected next door was a bakery with pastries, desserts, and interesting foods. Still better. Our lodging was a block away. Dangerously close walking distance. STILL better. Western toilets, closets, soft beds, electricity, even desks. Oh yeah. I think we'll manage. After some ice cream (or frozen heaven), we went to dinner at a place a little walk down called Uncle Lobo's, which served Indian and Chinese. We completely feasted on delicious food and purchased a few boxes of Kingfisher. After the walk back, it was Chi'party' time...With a free day in Mysore the next day, the party continued into the wee hours.

~Straying down familiar paths...

-David