10/9/2010 - Bannerghatta National Park

Today the whole team (except one because of project commitments) went to Bannerghatta National Park.  It's the closest national park to Bangalore at 22 kms away. Still took us over an hour and half to get there though.   The park is really nice, they have a bear, lion and tiger safari, a very good zoo, and a recently added butterfly park. We did everything but the butterfly park (opting to eat lunch instead).   I took some really good pictures and experienced something for the first time; I saw a hippo.  They're just as ugly in real life and make a loud grunt that you could probably hear for miles. However, the most memorable moment at the park for me was not seeing the animals. It was when I briefly chatted with a group of girls from an orphanage.  They were there on a field trip and very excited about it.  Their headmaster said she takes care of about 120 girls.  They all looked so vibrant and eager to ask questions, etc.   I was both sad to see so many girls, but at the same time happy to see such joy in their faces.

After the park we went back to the hotel, then did dinner and a couple drinks, and called it a night. Good day once again.  Time sure is flying  ... but that means things are going well :-).  Take care!!!

Hi from Bannerghatta!!