Hot hot Hampi

Hello from Hampi!
We left Goa on Tuesday (very sad to leave) and have made it to the magical little place of Hampi. Once one of the largest Hindu empires in India, it was ransacked and raided in the late sixteenth century and is now the bizarre ruinous eastern Pompeii. History lesson over.
We had a lovely place to stay for the first couple of nights but it was the other side of the river to the main bazaar and, especially because its low season at the moment, we felt pretty out of it. So over the river we trundled this morning and feel much more in the middle of it now.
Best way to get around is by scooter (first scooter experience - its taken me two days but I really like it now!) so Tom's been driving me round like a good little taxi man, while I cling onto him for dear life (remember the crazy Mumbai driving - well the whole of India need to take a few lessons in safe/courteous/sensible driving. And take a look at the Highway Code) Don't panic, he's brill I'm in safe hands.
So we've been trundling round the various ruins, melting in the heat somewhat but really enjoying all the different things to see. Yesterday was probs the best day we've had here so far, mainly because I got a smooch from a gorgeous elephant called Lakshmi! She lives in the temple in Hampi Bazaar and you pop ten rupes in her trunk (which she gives to her boss man) and then she'll 'bless' you - pops her trunk on your head and even waits and smiles for the camera! Tomorrow morning we're going to see her have her bath down by the river.
We're only staying here for another couple of days, the heat is just too much (defs pushing 40 degrees) but the whole place is just such a bizarre beautiful place that I'm so glad we came. The scenery and the whole landscape just literally takes your breath away.
I've uploaded some photos on Faceyb but, again, they just don't do this place justice.
Back to Goa on Saturday, will speak to you from there xx