Magical Mysore

I met a wonderful Scottish woman en route from Puttaparthi to Mysore yesterday. We chatted non-stop and felt like long-lost friends. I love the way travel throws you together with soulmates at every turn. You meet for a brief moment in time and then part, often never to meet again, but their influence lingers.
I like Mysore. It's much cleaner and more 'civilized' than other Indian cities. Sure, there are cows in the streets, but these cows are painted neon yellow! Apparently its in celebration of Pongal. Really surreal.
There are some lovely buildings, not the least of which is the Palace which is very grand and quite over the top.
I went up Chamundi Hill today to visit my temple (I was given the name Chamundi at Sivananda Ashram). Good view and lots of really friendly Mysorians and pilgrims from everywhere. I shook more hands than the Queen and posed for endless photos.
All good fun.
Ate an exceptionally good meal with the best service ever then slept in a quiet (!) clean (!!) mosquito free (!!!) room last night.
I like the vibe here, people are friendly and even a little genteel.
I'm off to the largest Tibetan refugee settlement next -- Bylakuppe. I hope to chill out to the sound of Buddhist monks chanting.