Yesterday we checked out of our hotel in trevandrum, and boarded the train to our next stop, Varkarla. the train was due to leave at 11.15 and as we ran into the train station at 11.12 we desperately scrambled to buy tickets and find the right platform in the heaving station. Finally we found the platform, and this mammoth train sat there. it must have been over a kilometer long. In our flustered state we jumped aboard where we could. Immediately, we became very pleased, we had got on at the first class a/c sleeper carriages! Afraid of two things; one, that if we got off the train to get into the right carriage at the other end of the platform the train would pull off and we would be forced to make a James Bond dive onto the train. The other fear was that if caught in this blissful carriage, we would be fined, or worse get a smacked bottom. Smothered in leather seats, fold out beds and A/C we decided to risk the journey in the carriage of pleasure. As it happens, the train left at 11.45. We made the journey without problems, just a shame It was only 40km.
We arrived in Varkarla at 11.30 and quickly got offered a tuk-tuk to the place we were hoping to stay in. we were impressed by the bamboo house, and negotiated a good discount for 7 nights in a bamboo hut including 10% off at the café next door, and 2 free yoga classes. Confused by this place and where we were we questioned the location of the beach. The man pointed us down this narrow dusty lane and said ‘half minute’. We walked and there we were, on the cliff edge, looking out to sea with the sandy beach 60ft below us. The cliff edge is riddled in cafés and restaurants with little shops in-between selling classic touristy calved Buddha’s etc.
That afternoon, we met a guy we recognized from our visit to Trevandrum Zoo. I gave him the nod and said, ‘’alright zoo man’’ his Austrailian voice repied ‘’alright buddy’’ we chatted for a while about our travels and arranged to meet for dinner. We ate a lot- Indian, Nepalese, and more Indian. We also enjoyed our first beer in a week, as kerala is mainly dry. The beer was subtly ordered, and served to us under the table wrapped in newspaper. I felt like a rebellious teenager drinking cider at Castle Green, it was great!
Currently reading Q&A – the book that slumdog millionaire is based on. Its great, very different to the film. Also I have finished another book, the long way round. By Ewan Mcgreggor and Charlie Booreman. Pretty pleased that I can still read actually, and starting to really enjoy an afternoon read in the hammock.
That’s it for now. BYEEEEEEEEEEE