Bindu's Repose

Kerala with a good book and a cup of chai

I'm not really in the mood to write a travel update (see my previous post.) But if I don't do it now, I think I'll forget some of the more juicy recent stuff so here goes a short (hopefully) travel update.

Had a lovely time in Goa. Good company, beaches (Vagator was my favorite that I visited), food, markets and motorcycle rides up the coast.

I took the train to Kerla because I hoped it would be even sweeter, but alas, I think my expectations were inflated. Or maybe I just haven't seen the right parts of Kerla.

I hit a woman who was begging from me... I didn't know I had it in me... Actually I pushed her, but still... She kept grabbing my clothes really hard and demanding money. Every time I shouted at her to leave me alone (I did start by requesting nicely) she would smile an evil smile, look at my crotch and lick her lips... Or say she loved me and call me her husband... Her husband/boyfriend played the good cop, he kept saying sorry and asking for money... Every time I walked away she would grab me or step in front of me... I have always thought that in such a situation I would just be incredibly clear verbally... and it would work... I was and it didn't... Yuck!

OK now that I have that off my chest, I'll tell you the better stuff. The spice and rice markets are nice, but not as "amazing" as I had hoped. You know how a trip can be made by the people you meet? Well, I met a really sweet couple from Canada in Kochi. I had a nasty belly and went to a fancy hotel for some comfort food, and bumped into this couple. We ended up talking for 5 hours. Then having dinner together the following night. They have been teaching English in Taiwan and Japan... Hmm... I wonder... (they gave me some good tips in case I want to make a go of it, sounds quite tempting actually.)

Now, I'm staying in a nice house (Dilip's cousin's shared rental) in a small village on the south east edge of the backwaters. Actually its about 1km from the backwaters,and there isn't much access. The village is about 1.5km away and doesn't have much to offer in the way of stores, but the people feel very friendly and open.

The rental is shared by some associates of Dilip's cousin. They (Jacob and Bobby) have been incredibly generous in introducing me to the local area, people, food, etc and helping to plan activities here.

I got back from a 22-hour house-boat trip this morning. Which was lovely in some ways, and a bit crazt in others (the engine broke down and took 3 hours to repair and then the captain crashed into a wall at low speed this morning and bent the front of the boat.) The food was great, the sunset and sunrise were staggering. The two guys on the boat Rajesh and Saji were very nice, although I wish we would have been able to communicate better.

This afternoon, Bobby told me about the GW's 48-hour deadline... I fear for us all.

Posted by binduwavell at March 18, 2003 10:36 AM