THE KOCHI DIARY ( Extracted from one of my diary page)

Ernakulum also known as Kochi (MAPcourtesy inter

It was one of the most unexpectedly exciting travels I had ever had in recent time. As I’ve always confess profusely earlier too that travel always bring a lot of fresh energy and does refreshes my perspective. This particular travel was a unique one because I was able to attend my sis in-law’s wedding and witness mush love from the people and community. Such experience brings a lot of possibilities of healing and pure joy. It was overwhelming to see how the adorable bride and the groom are so much in love and are so happy for each other. Hey… sounds familiar? Am sure some of us have gone through the same experience too… So folks, this is my travel story…called THE KOCHI DIARY...

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.

Cherai beach waves

Exotic cuisine with a dash of lemon juice

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).

Chinese Fishing Nets

Time to pull out

The catch

HILL PALACE (TRIPUNITHURA)

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)…

On the left located the old Synagogue (not seen in this foto)

Had lunch here for Rs 65 ( Rice, Indian Bread, Mixed veg, Pickles, two types of Fish)

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.

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. 

View of the travellers waiting for their train

Up against the wind

harvest time People

Rain drops

Paddies dried in the sun

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...