We drove down to

Mysore

amusing ourselves on the way.

Does that remind you of the onion minarets of the Kremlin? We reached Mysore and went to Nalpak restaurant for lunch. Here's the jOwAr rOti (rotis made with maize) thAli: Looking at some of the graceful architecture and the majestic trees We went to the Mysore Palace. Horse-carriages waited to give the tourists joyrides. Here's Krishna dancing on Kaliya the serpent at the entrance: It was lovely to see some temple gopurAs with moss and the patina of age: This is the swEtha varAha swAmy temple: The architecture of the Palace, a combination of Hindu and Islamic styles (true to the broadmindedness of the Wodeyar rulers) is remarkable. K1 and K2 walked around the palace with us, looking at the many treasures, but they were also glad to be able to play around in the open air afterwards, and go for camel rides. It was nice to see many other people enjoying the sights and sounds, and sometimes, just sitting contemplatively. ' </lj-cut> After seeing the Palace at an unhurried pace, we had a snack-dessert kind of meal at the excellent Pearl outdoor diner The father is pouring chocolate sauce over the Brownie Sizzler, and several spoons were dug into it! We drove back home, well-satisfied with our day. This is the first exposure the children have had to the heritage of the state and country they live in.