Hi, Thurs 10th Nov, a day and night on our private houseboat (photo) with chef, skipper and one crew. We had a wonderful time on the backwaters of Kerala exploring huge lakes and narrow canals looking out on paddy fields and passing sleepy rural villages, nice fish dish for lunch, massive prawns for dinner and a lovely breakfast next morning. 11th - 13th on an Island on one of the huge lakes at Phil Kutty's Farm which featured on Rick Steins Indian cooking series, the food was great with guests staying in beautiful villas, very tranquil had a bit of a rest but ate to much. Today off to Periyar high in the Western Ghat range, boat trip on a lake to view elephants (hopefully) frolicking in the water plus more wildlife !!!! Then Tea Plantations and Spice fields. Bye for now John & Gail.