I've been away from reletive civilisation for a while so have been unable to write.
Here i am really begining to get into the swing of things and rather than thinking of my experinces as a trip, i have come to accept that it is my current lifestyle. Everyday continues to bring me new excitement and oppertunities. I have grown to accept that plans are most likely the second cousin to missed oppertunities and so try and live each day as it comes, often the spur of the moment decicions turn out to be the best. Also the faith that everythin's alright in the end carries me through and i usually find that if you have your eyes open, the right things tend to fall into your lap... or at least thats india...
After a lengthy 'holiday' in Varkala, meeting with other travelers and enjoying the excellent seafood and grass, i feel i have now started to get to grips with 'real' india, or at least Kerala.. On the recomendation of so many people, i headed north into the backwaters. Along the way i spent 3 unexpected days touring around Kollam with a group of young motorcycleing communists who were really very pleased for me to be hanging out with them, for me also, the experience was unique and i found myself in many a situation i would not have expected otherwise. I then made my way deep into the backwaters to a homestay i'd been tipped off about at an earlier stage. At this place i was cared for by an extremely helpfull family and could explore the villages and waterways at my leisure either by foot or by borrowing a bike or canoe. These were very peacefull days and despite some uncharacteristicly heavy rain, all was well. I had some lazy days of catching up with my book and diary and also became involved with some high level test matches with some local 10 year olds. You'll be pleased to know i held my own!!
Now i have arived in Kochi, the cultural capital of kerala. The part of town i am in is an old portuguese fort and is very beautfull, reminding me somewhat of barcelona. The arts scene, traditional and modern, is also very well established. and i have already made friends with an ageing indian hippie painter as i was lured into his studio by B.B. King and Bob Dylan. he is making great success all over the world with his painting and is a lovely and interesting guy.
Next, i have two plans and as of yet i'm not sure which road to take, either to head to the hill stations of the western Ghats as i feel i need a fix of wandering in the mountains. Or i have the oppertunitiy to go with a french guy i've met to study a traditional keralan martial art for some time in a village to the north of here with his guru... what to do? either way i feel like i need to get my teeth, and more importantly my body, stuck into something productive and to create a bit of a focus. I will let you know how i get on.