For my Catholic Mates

 3 December 2015

Especially for my Catholic mates: The highlight of our visit to Goa in India was a visit to the Bom Jesus Basilica where St Francis Xavier's body lies in a glass coffin inside a silver coffin. Every ten years and on other rare occasions the glass coffin is removed from the silver one and pilgrims are able to visit and view the body. Our visit coincided with one of these occasions. 

We were privileged to be able to join the pilgrims.

The Basilica

Several outside areas were set up for Mass

St Francis Xavier's coffin

A close up of the Saint

The coffin is stored on high

As we exited there was a French Mass in progress

Faces of India

 2 December 2015

During our recent five days in India we came across many of her 1.3 billion people.

Confused

Found on a wall in a home in Mangalore, India.

Lifted

 26 November 2015

Our excursion to the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai was a unique experience. 

Departing from the Gateway of India, we travelled by boat across busy Mumbai Harbour to Gharapuri Island. The magnificent caves on the island are carved out of solid basalt rock and represent Mount Kailash, the heavenly mountain residence of Lord Shiva. They are accessed via many stairs.

This is a must visit site for visitors to Mumbai.

Local Group at India Gate protesting about terrorism.

India Gate and the Taj Hotel from our ferry

We passed many craft on our hour's ferry ride but couldn't

see those in the distance due to fog/smog

Sadly this sign wasn't heeded

There was litter choking this stream

This little train delivered us to the stairs to the cave

I was pleased to see Sedan chair rides available

Mr GeniAus took pity and hired a chair
to transport me up all the stairs to the caves.
It was a rough ride.

There was a welcome from the locals when I alighted.

The caves carved out of volcanic rock were awesome

As we waited for our ferry to return to Mumbai
we met some more local residents

Signs of Mumbai

Environmental print from our recent visit to Mumbai. 

The signs one encounter give an insight to the society and culture of a city.