It's now early in the morning of 1 November (another new month and only 7 weeks to Christmas!).

Unfortunately, the weather in Periyar was not good to us and so we had no choice but to blow out the 8 hour jungle walk and bamboo rafting. So instead, we decided to quit the mountains a day early and head for Cochin on 30/10/11.

The drive here was completely bonkers and our driver (with the crazy laugh) ought to be locked up for the number of overtaking moves he did on blind bends and whilst approaching the brow of a hill! Mike will update you on the driving techniques of 'Brown Stig' later.

Again the heavens opened but thankfully only briefly and didn't ruin our morning sight seeing trip of Cochin and its Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim enclaves. Interestingly, the number of Jews in Cochin (who first arrived in 72 AD) has, today dwindled down to just 9! Apparently, their preference not to have relationships with non Jews led to all sorts of health problems and the emigration of many residents to Israel. The remaining 9 consist of 6 women and 3 men whose average age is estimated at 80+. Unfortunately, this number of men is insufficient to hold a ceremony in the synagogue so now the Jewish community rely on Jewish visitors and tourists to make up the numbers.

Yesterday afternoon we met up with Al and Cat (sorry if that should be Kat) and had a great afternoon in the Fishnet Bar (I'll leave it to you to work out what beer was on offer) and then an evening at the Katakali Dance show followed by a pukka Keralan fish meal (with chips) in the evening.