Blessed by Porcine Friends and Pachyderms

Laughter is contagious. It spreads like a disease yet it cures all. Laughter and smiles are what have drawn the people here to the flying pigs. When you open your heart and let happiness flow, good things will come to you.

How can you not laugh and be happy when you start your day being blessed by an elephant?! The Sri. Brihadeswara temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has an elephant that meets and greets you at the first gate by laying his snout on your head. (I have heard snout juice is a good hair conditioner!) As we move into the temple grounds toward the main sanctum, people and families approach us to take our picture with them. They want to show their families and friends they have met someone "different". They have not met many Europeans or Americans who are openly friendly and happy to see them. They are so eager to share a part of themselves and we are open to receive.


CLICK HERE to see a video of our elephant blessings


Our guide, Aroon, leads us past hundreds of pilgrims to a side entrance of the temple which allows us direct access to the priest. From here we can also view the "Vimana" of the temple which is said to be among the tallest of its kind in the world! The Great Nandi(Stone Bull) is another temple highlight.

The Palace of Panjore stands near the temple and dates back to around 1550 AD. We are here mainly to see the art gallery which houses precious granite and bronze statues of the Chola period.These statues are some of India's great treasures. As beautifully as they are crafted, none can compete with one of our treasures, Julie.


We found Julie outside the palace in the courtyard, surrounded by young, laughing school children. Julie was smiling and laughing too. Had she told them a joke as she does for us everyday? Had she shared a picture or a song from her iPhone with them as she does for us everyday? What was her secret that had brought all these children and their teachers such joy and enthusiastic cheers? What had made Julie so happy she actually was glowing?...........ICE CREAM! Julie had treated this class of young Indian boys and girls to ice cream following their visit to the palace. It was a treat to witness and certainly a memory we all will cherish. Julie has brought me to laughter many times over the years, but today Julie brought me to tears. I am one grateful little pig to have such wonderful friends surrounding me.

M