Almost tripped over this scull while exploring a Dutch cemetery.
Not far from Visakhapatman, is a little beach town of about 50,000 people called Bheemilli. Across the street from the beach and ocean is Dutch and Flag Cemetery. Elder and Sister Briggs mentioned there was an interesting graveyard that included some Pirate grave stones and also an ancient Buddhist archaeological site on the way. Interested in exploring on our P-day, we tagged along. Later that afternoon was a big Family History Fireside in Visak. Two of the main speakers for the fireside, Geeta and Vin Naidu, also joined us.
After breakfast, Elder and Sister Briggs' driver, Wilson, picked us up and we headed out. After about an hour we arrived at the ancient Buddhist Monastery called Thotlakonda. They estimated the Monastery originated about 2,000 BC but was noted to be most active during 300 BC to 300 AD.
The ocean is in the background.
This video clip shows the spring where a water supply has existed for perhaps thousands of years.
An interesting ant hill or bee house. A large black bee started chasing me so I headed back to the entrance while Sister Martin and the others continued to see a few more sites that were excavated.
Sister Martin and the others continued exploring the site for a few more minutes.
Nearby was a park with a nice view of the ocean.
Sister Martin waving in the distance.
Leaving the area was a newer Buddha statue.
Arriving to the town of Bheemi and the Dutch and Flag Cemetery.
Luckily, a bystander said we could find the caretaker in a little park nearby, so we walked over and asked him.
The caretaker gave Wilson the key and we entered the graveyard. The earliest grave dates back to 1762.
Exploring the Pirate Grave stones.
The stones displayed the scull and crossbones, the symbol of a pirate.
A couple of videos of the beach and the town.
Enjoying time with our new friends, Elder and Sister Briggs on a beautiful day.
On our way to the Family History Fireside, look who got ahead of us.
Are those missionaries in that little Auto Rickshaw?
Seven of them squeezed in an Auto to save a few Rupees.
Excitement was high as many gathered for this Family History Conference.
Check out the next blog for the details of this energized fireside.
Not far from Visakhapatman, is a little beach town of about 50,000 people called Bheemilli. Across the street from the beach and ocean is Dutch and Flag Cemetery. Elder and Sister Briggs mentioned there was an interesting graveyard that included some Pirate grave stones and also an ancient Buddhist archaeological site on the way. Interested in exploring on our P-day, we tagged along. Later that afternoon was a big Family History Fireside in Visak. Two of the main speakers for the fireside, Geeta and Vin Naidu, also joined us.
After breakfast, Elder and Sister Briggs' driver, Wilson, picked us up and we headed out. After about an hour we arrived at the ancient Buddhist Monastery called Thotlakonda. They estimated the Monastery originated about 2,000 BC but was noted to be most active during 300 BC to 300 AD.
The guide explained that they believe anciently this was a place where Buddist Monks traveled to receive training and spiritual strength. These round domes or stupas are considered sacred. It is believed that the one pictured here has a golden Budda inside. Monks walked around the monument in a clockwise direction and meditated.
The ocean is in the background.
This video clip shows the spring where a water supply has existed for perhaps thousands of years.
An interesting ant hill or bee house. A large black bee started chasing me so I headed back to the entrance while Sister Martin and the others continued to see a few more sites that were excavated.
Sister Martin and the others continued exploring the site for a few more minutes.
Nearby was a park with a nice view of the ocean.
Sister Martin waving in the distance.
Leaving the area was a newer Buddha statue.
Arriving to the town of Bheemi and the Dutch and Flag Cemetery.
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| When we arrived the gate was locked - Oh no, Republic day is a national holiday in India |
Interesting children's park.
The caretaker gave Wilson the key and we entered the graveyard. The earliest grave dates back to 1762.
Yes, that's the skull I almost tripped over.
Exploring the Pirate Grave stones.
Are those stray dogs on top of the Pirate grave stones? Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
The stones displayed the scull and crossbones, the symbol of a pirate.
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| The inscription says June of 1783 |
Enjoying time with our new friends, Elder and Sister Briggs on a beautiful day.
On our way to the Family History Fireside, look who got ahead of us.
Are those missionaries in that little Auto Rickshaw?
Seven of them squeezed in an Auto to save a few Rupees.
Excitement was high as many gathered for this Family History Conference.
Check out the next blog for the details of this energized fireside.
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