We were down on a flat part of the Indian subcontinent and had quite a long day driving to our next destination. A short visit to a botanic garden near the tea garden had trees from all over the World except New Zealand. We will try and arrange for a Kauri seed to be forwarded as soon as we get home.
Back on the flat we entered Kerala, the rice bowl State of India. The roads, towns and houses take a very sudden cleaner more organised appearance. We were heading to Cochin (now called Kochi, by some) and a hotel on a large man made Island from when the British dredged the port. This hotel was pretty flash and we enjoyed the hospitality, the food was excellent and staff most helpful. Diana couldn't help but notice that the restaurant had the same 'loop' of 10 or so quite rocky songs playing at breakfast, lunch and dinner!! Of all the zillion that are available.
In the evening we were treated to a local dance show. This was an ancient dance form Kathakali, where there were no singing or dancing, a drum beat only and a commentary. The lone dancer first showed us his mostly facial and eye moves and then acted out a wee story....slipped over both our heads but we applauded loudly at completion....we were the entire audience!
We had a day tour of Cochin planned but unfortunately the town was on strike and our driver could not get over the bridge to our hotel. The protesters were exhausted by 3.00pm so Pradeep snuck in and we had an abbreviated half day tour. We got around very quickly now as the streets were pretty much deserted. The strike was Union organised (still quite strong in many parts of India) because the government were not supporting a fertiliser works that was likely to go under without financial assistance. The company has 1200 employees. Not sure if the strike had any effect on the government but it did stuff our day up somewhat. We still had time to see where Vasco de Gama was first laid to rest and also see some Chinese fishing nets and Jewtown. This part of India has had a strong early association with the Portuguese in the 16th century, the French and the English. It is a wealthy corner of the country that boasts the highest literacy rate at 96%.
Our Guide gave us some really interesting social history and explanations for the better life comparatively that people have in Kerala. There are 800 people every square km! and a town every 7 kms but they are not keen on apartment style living - they still appreciate having enough space to grow veggies.
From Cochin we went south to the rice growing area of Kerala and boarded a house boat for an overnight cruise and sleep. The area we visited is known as the Venice of the East, with a labyrinth of waterways that make up the main streets. The stay on the house boat was a highlight of the trip. (One could feel the serenity!) We had a captain, a boat boy and a chef and they were all exceptional in looking after us. There are 1000 of these houseboats on the waterway and it is rated the second most special thing to do in India after seeing the Taj Mahal (by Lonely Planet).
We have one night left on our tour of Southern India and are at present camped at Turtle Beach. From a quick look that Diana and I had at midday it should be renamed "Crab Beach". We are resting up, drinking the last of our 'Kingfisher', doing a bit of washing and writing a blog. Stay with us, in 48 hours we will be in Dubai for a bit more exploring and it looks like the geocaching will offer a few opportunities.
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