Ayodya – Me and MYCycle

It’s the last few days before the summer school holiday ends.

There’s time to fit in one more activity

Our new good friend Pravalika introduced Kaveri to the art of stone carving

We’re at one of the most famous stone-carvers in India and it’s in Mysore.

We can see all the stages of creating a statue: from the rough hewn shape through to the final finish

It’s surprisingly delicate and quite fast.

Pravalika is a patient teacher and patient carver, she wonderfully manages the double pressure.

Kaveri is, of course, also a star.

The elder, yes that’s me, managed an inch of carving before the women gave up in despair.

New spots? Maybe not.

The chief stone carver and therefore the workshop famously created the statue for the new Ayodya Temple last year.

Kaveri’s first stone carving is dedicated to MAnjula and will be installed at Mysore Bed and Breakfast.

Maïlis has been with us now for almost two months. She’s really got into Mysore, become part of our little community and created a wide range of exciting experiences for herself.

I was invited by her wonderful new friends Pravallika and Cade to visit and find out where they’re learning to carve.

At this family workshop they’re famous for carving significant statues and especially Rama for the new Ayodya Temple

But there was a great big surprise waiting for me.

Maïlis as her very first project had carved our Lucie in stone

How wonderful is that?

Just one month ago Lucie gave up, she’d had too much after managing so well with a painful hip and difficulties with her kidneys. She was strong and brave and her gentle friendly nature had helped her connect with thousands of our guests.

… and a cat