Namaste

Well Folks we have been on the move again today and after three auto rickshaws, one bumpy bus ride and an overcrowded ferry ride we are here in Fort Cochin a small island off the Indian mainland that is linked by a bridge.

Getting here was a bumpy affair as usual and we were both glad that the journey was only 1 1/2 hours otherwise I think our teeth might have come loose. Found ourselves a simple little room for Rs 400/5 quid a night and set off to have a look around.

Our first stop at the end of Princes Street was the thing Cochin is famous for, the Chinese fishing nets.These things are huge and need four guys to work them at high tide to bring all the fish in. From here we took another rickshaw (No 4) and proceeded to drive around the town. We visited a ginger factory where we watched the ginger being sorted for export and it smelt really nice too. Then it was on to look around the Old Dutch Palace and Jewish Cemetery too.

We obliged the driver by looking around a shop so he could get 1 litre of fuel free as a backhander before ending up at St Francis' Church where we looked around. It is the oldest European building in India and while here we lit candles for Uncle Alan, Auntie Val and Sharon who have passed away this last year.

We are now boiling to death here in Cochin at the minute and the humidity just makes you want to sleep all the time. Not sure on plans tomorrow but will be in touch.

Lots of Love

M & M

xx