36. Report 12/1/22 - The police take me away

The narrow asphalted road runs for miles along the beach under palm trees. Not a tourist area, Not even tea stalls for the locals.

A temple at sunset. The young priest instructs to remove my robe before entering the interior of the temple. I know next to nothing how a Hindu behaves traditionally in a temple - what rituals are performed. So I bow to some deities and notice the

objects placed in their hands or feet. But that's enough for meditation: imagining the properties of these gods and objects inwardly - letting them become reality in oneself.

However, the priest cannot offer me a place to camp for the night.

Next door in a small hall that belongs to the temple, it is possible to stay without any problems. - Since it is very windy from the beach, it takes some tinkering to protect my little camp against the cool gusts.

There is still a lot going on along the narrow street. Some youth begin military exercises. The youngest is maybe twelve; the leader himself may not be eighteen yet. But he skilfully drills his comrades with a mixture of classic drills, martial arts elements and religious worship.

A few people approach me with the usual questions of origin and name. One says that it is not allowed to sleep in this hall. I react in a relaxed way since the priest had given his permission for me to stay. But later someone warns me again. Strange.

And then a police car comes. Two men in uniform and one civilian get out. I meet them politely; their reactions and questions are matter-of-fact - there is no noticeable friendliness. Even my hint that the priest had allowed it does not trigger a more pleasant reaction from them. Instead I should pack my things and come with them.

Whatever annoyance or inconvenience may arise, I follow their instructions without much inner tumult. A certain basic relaxation now seems to be permanent.

A larger group of people has gathered around the police. Suddenly, anger made itself felt in me. On the side to those who have been kind to me, I show a grateful gesture. I also shake hands with one - he wanted to bring me a coconut for breakfast. But on the other side, where the one stands who said that sleeping overnight is not allowed, I ask why they called the police: I'm not a bad person and the priest would have allowed it. - Some faces look crippled.

As we drive off, an officer says they are taking me to a hotel. I protest because I don't have a budget for it. He replies that they would take care of the bill. But - !?!

Five minutes later we are standing in the reception of a holiday resort. I should register my data in the guest book. The manager and one of the police officers take a photo of the passport. No one asks for a visa.

Another five minutes later we are in a comfortable A/C room with a veranda, wardrobe and hot water in the bathroom.

I tell the officials that the place is better than that in the windy temple hall. They take a selfie to say goodbye.

I wonder whether the anger expressed towards the people earlier might have been wrongly placed. Intuitively, a thought arises that they might even have pooled money for a better overnight camp...