I brought Hamish to Hampi in large part because I knew that Lakshmi the elephant would be there. I’ve never met an elephant in person (believe it or not) and Hamish hasn’t met his ancestors. At this temple, you put 1 rupee in Lakshmi’s trunk. She gives it to her handler, and bonks you on the head with her trunk, thus blessing you. I did it twice. This picture is from the first time. I was completely charmed.
Caitlin, Jonathan’s wife, paid the camera fee and took this picture. When we went for my going-away dinner last week, this was the group gift. As mentioned, the frame is also wonderful: it is made of the glass bangles many Indian women wear.