We arrived at Kochi after a couple of hours journey.We were staying at Fort Kochi, which is the old colonial part at the entrance to the harbour. It is a laid back place compared to the rest of Kochi and has lots of good restaurants and shops.

We are staying in Waltons which is a converted warehouse that has been recently renovated - one of the best places so far.

On the first night Fran decided she wanted to go to cookery lessons (well she does need them!).This was in the home of a local. The lady of the house did all the talking and stirred a few things whilst her male assistant seemed to be doing all the work (cutting, chopping etc.) - seemed familiar to me!The best bit was we got to eat the results.

Next day was off to a beach 25km north - we had been trying to book into a resort here but they wouldn't answer my emails.The spot was lovely - white sands one side and a lagoon at the back.We will return here!Had a look round the main city - big and noisy but it was Sunday and all the shops were closed.That night we had dinner at one of the up-market hotels (Malabar Junction) - it was the best food we had had in India.

The following day it was of to Jew town (a local suburb) to see a few sites.On the way to the Synagogue, we fell into a shop and Fran started buying stuff as she has decided we don't have to far to carry it now.The net result was an urgent trip to the ATM - the shopkeeper was most helpful - got a lift on the back of his assistant's motorbike!We never made the synagogue - I had shorts on and was not allowed in but we did make it to the palace which was good.Fran continued the shopping spree when she went into the local shop and bought them out of spices.

We finally made it to the synagogue next day - it was worth the trip.All this sightseeing has worn Fran out so she is off for a Ayurvedic massage. Tomorrow we are off to the beach resort for a couple of days R&R after all this hard work!