Temple

I know exactly what you are thinking.

Damn! MB looks sexy with that red dot on her forehead.

That's not what you were thinking? Oh. That red dot is a tilaka and it means I worshipped in a Hindu temple. I went with our post doc and his family and James and Cheesehead. The temple was beautiful and the priest was welcoming. He took our names and said Sanskrit prayers for us to Mahalakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and wisdom. The priest then annointed us with coconut water and gave us fruit. It was the most enjoyable religious experience I think I've ever had.

I learned a lot about Hinduism that day and one thing I found striking is the way God is protrayed. He isn't a white guy with a long beard. He doesn't throw fire and brimstone when you mess up. He isn't even a he. God takes whatever form brings you peace and spiritual enlightenment.

Later we toured the outside of the temple where post doc insisted upon taking my picture next to this statue of Vishnu and his two extremely well-endowed wives.

Before we left we stopped by the canteen for an Indian treat. Post doc bought us these things that were like donuts drenched in maple syrup. I think it gave me a cavity. But it was worth it.