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| Ernakulum also known as Kochi (MAPcourtesy inter |
TRAVEL
We took the Go Air flight from
New Delhi airport. Reached Mumbai airport (via) at 4:15pm after started from
Delhi by 2:30pm and finally reached Kochi by 6:30pm. It was dusky by then. Our
friend called Caleb was really kind enough to come and pick us up from the
airport. He’s such a gentlemen. He was equally as excited as us because he said
it’s his best friend’s wedding. He not only drove us to our destination but
also brief us about Kochi and some of the interesting stories about him and his
circle of friends including the groom. It took us an hour and a half to reach
our destination… we crosses some forest and some sleepy towns. Though
physically exhausted, I was so thrilled to be back to the woods and as the
raindrops touches the roof of our cute little car, I realize then that this is
my day (this is my moment)… I requested Caleb and my Husband to please stop the
car… I open the door and bared my soul as I step out. Sounds crazy but it was
so accomplishing and am so proud of myself that I did that (sound of laughter
as I write this).
PEOPLE IN KOCHI
Having come from cities like
Delhi, it was such a calming experience to see how the people and community as
a whole in Kochi are as compared to Delhi. No doubt for some really really
weird reason I will always love Delhi as my first love but Kochi came as a heart
stealer ( you know what I mean?)… The visit really slowed me down and helps me
walk instead of rushing. The simplicity of the people and the serenity of the
hills and the sound of the waves surely validated the saying “God’s own country”.
KERALA AYURVEDIC MASSAGE (one thing unmissable while in Kerala)
The rich oil lavishly poured and the smooth hands that run through your weary bones and joints were something one has to experience personally. I had a full body massage and most exciting part is this… Uncle Thomas discounted the price. That was a huge relieves (hahaha).
SEA AND THE SEA FOOD
Yes that’s right…its sea and the
sea food. Walking down the beach and listening to the sound of the waves
rushing was a treat in itself. My husband (my travel partner who’s my travel
critic too hahaha) and I went to CHERAI beach. The beach is lined by gorgeous
coconut groves and eats out places. Though it was a humble and simple beach, we
had a perfect view of the beach from the hotel called the Arabian Sea Food Hotel where we had our lunch. The menu ranges from
juicy prawns, tender squid, aromatic pomfret fish and the Kerala samber,
coconut shredded mixed vegetable and not the least the Kerala RICE. Generally
the dishes are flavoured with tamarind added with refreshing curry leaves and
coconut and don’t be surprise if your dinner is served up on a banana leaf.
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| Cherai beach waves |
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| Exotic cuisine with a dash of lemon juice |
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| I told you " IT HAD THE PERFECT VIEW" |
A VISIT TO THE CHINESE FISHING NET AREA
For one second, I feel I was
embodying the famous Kylie Kwong while visiting the fishermen community there.
She’s such an inspiration for any chef in the world. I do claim myself to be
one (I mean a private practitioner though)… The Chinese fishing net story in
Kochi (earlier known as Cochin) traces back to the time where the traders from
the court of the Chinese ruler (forgot the name sorry) introduced these nets
here. Surprisingly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China
(seriously?). Met many fishermen. Well it definitely smell very fishy and
definitely do not intend to say that it’s stinky but it’s stinky actually (No
offence).
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| Chinese Fishing Nets |
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| Time to pull out |
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| The catch |
HILL PALACE (TRIPUNITHURA)
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| Outer view of the Palace turn Museum |
Built somewhere in 19th century
by the Raja of Kochi, this palace served as the seat of the Raja of the Kochi
province. The palace is now converted into a rich museum preserved and
collected from different parts of the world and gifts given by different nobles
and traders as well. Well, the worst part was “NO CAMERAS inside”. So we couldn’t take any pictures inside. If
you’re someone who loves to see antiques and have interest in wooden crafting
work, this interesting palace turn museum is definitely your next destination.
No sandals inside too, but am just ok with that because the floors are made of
woods and it’s neatly polished. Infact the cracky wooden sound when you walk
makes the entrance quite a homecoming.
MARINE
DRIVE VIEW
Heard a stroll along the long tree-lined
coastal pathway that lines the backwater is well worth the time spent, especially
late afternoon or dusk but couldn’t go there. So I just caught the street through
my canon camera as I was on way to Vypeen Island. Am so sure that the bustling
backwaters, dotted with fishing boats, speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger
boats, can be observed from my boat.
VYPEEN ISLAND
To start off the visit, had a
simple yet refreshing lunch at one of the small hotel there. The island looks
like a little palm size globe altogether. We walk pass many tourist and many
from the west. The spice market was amazing. Thank God, I bought the fish
masala and some vegetable masalas from one of the shops there. This beautiful
couple were selling those herbs and spices; they are so good to talk with that
they nearly robbed off my purse by pushing me to buy many other herbs too. But
God send a policemen called my husband who brought me back to sense… otherwise I
thought of buying the whole shop (another laughter)…
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| On the left located the old Synagogue (not seen in this foto) |
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| Had lunch here for Rs 65 ( Rice, Indian Bread, Mixed veg, Pickles, two types of Fish) |
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| They have some of the best spices in the world i bet... |
TRAVELLING BACK FROM KOCHI BY TRAIN (DURONTO)
If anyone wants to know more
about the people and society of the eastern part of the world like India, you
MUST travel by train (sleeper class) at least once. I met some few travellers
and every time we broke into conversation, we realize how diverse are we yet
how we all aspire and are inspired each other’s culture and thinking.
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| Nearly twisted my ribs taking this shot (oops) |
Our train
for obvious reason started off from the Ernakulum junction (Kochi) and crosses some
of the most interesting locations such as Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, UP and finally Delhi. It was double the treat
because when you look out, you see crossing different geographical locations and
see how each community are so different from the other. In the case of
Rajasthan, I was personally intrigued to notice how the typical Rajasthani colourful
turbans were flaunt around by men even in the station area. I wasn’t really
sure which particular station was that but I just knew it for sure that “oh boy
this is Rajasthan”… One can also see different classes of the community earning their livings.
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| View of the travellers waiting for their train |
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| Up against the wind |
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| harvest time People |
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| Rain drops |
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| Paddies dried in the sun |
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| I hate my husband for taking this pic while i was sleeping but i never love him less... |
After all, cheers to the wedded couple who invited us to Kochi... Cheers to their union and as they embark a new journey and those unforgettable memories me and my loved one created together. Thank you for dropping by...
