First thing in the morning I went to the local bus stand to inquire about how to get to Palitana and at what times. The bloke from the information desk invited me to a cup of chai. Now, that is nice, I thought (not that I got used to milk and tea and that I like it now, but anyway). He explained me which connection I should take and at what time. After that, he started his proper business. He told me that he didn't get paid for 4 months already and that his wife currently undergoes eye surgery in Mumbai. He then pulled from his drawer a book, where he kept a track record of donations. I thanked him for the answers to my questions, gave him 2Rs for the chai and disappeared.
I went to the ruins of Diu fort, which is a massive fort, obviously only built to protect the island and not to house a Maharaja (of course since the fort is Portuguese). The lighthouse within the walls of the fort also allows superb views on the city and beyond.
In the afternoon, I went to Chakratirth Beach (the one close to town) again. I lay down 50m away from a couple. The dog, which followed me two days ago when I returned from the beach was there as well. He sat down between us. When the couple disappeard, the dog sat behind me. Funnily, another bloke came and lay down his towel and the dog changed his position and sat between the two us! I really felt well guarded!
I was early at La Bela Vista (apologies for my ignorance in my prior entries, but the Portuguese language does not know double letters).The beergarden was infested by cows, who ate the decorating palm trees. Maybe they only open at 6pm I thought and strangely the cows disappeard shortly before 6pm. But the bar didn't open anyway. The reason was that the Archbishop, who lives in Goa, was in Diu for a visit to confirm the boys and girls. Apparently, that is something special, as the cathlic community is rather small and he only comes every 5 to 6 years. We went to church and followed a bit ot the mess before we decided to go for a beer somewhere else.
At sunset, we climed the roof of St Thomas Church (the one with the bar and BBQ). The views from there were even better than the one I had from the lighthouse this morning. Also, with a rising full moon on one side and a setting orange sun on the other, the setting was marvelous!