July 28, 2007 - Mumbai (Bombay), India

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
~St. Augustine

This is why I came to India.

The one hour boat ride in monsoon rains, skies of thunderous blackness, and deck smashing waves was worth the trouble. Elephanta Island is a lush tropical rain forest off the coast of Mumbai, in the Arabian Sea. After walking a series of stairs through the havoc of ravaging monkeys and merchants, we arrived at multiple cave temples dedicated to diety, Shiva.

Shiva is the God of all. Most Indian's, especially the poor and uneducated, believe they are standing on Shiva's head right now. Their believe is usually confirmed by maps and globes, because Shiva is depicted with blue skin, like the Earth's oceans.

The most beautiful rock carving at Elephanta Island is a two story tall Shiva head.