30/10/2013

Got the bus back to Enakulem, this time I was facing the views instead of the sloping land. The views over the valleys etc were stunning. Was odd to see the mountainous vegetation change to tropical vegetation as you slowly descended to the hotter climate. There was there was a crazy mix of all types of trees with the odd coconut tree scattered somewhere. Got a rickshaw to the jetty and paid 4rs (4p) to cross to Fort Kochi. It isn't an island its just a panicular. Got off the boat and strait away you could notice the difference, everything was so much quieter and cleaner, with nicer smaller roads which were well tarmaced. Got a tuk tuk to a place called Orion, it was where Nick and Lucy from Shiva Garden were stopping and I had agreed to meet up with them. Was so good to see them again. There digs were really nice, in a mansion of a homestay with a mint balcony, which was unfortunately out my price range. The tuk tuk driver took to his mates, Immanuel homestay just down the road 400rs a night, with the nicest room I have been in so far. A really slick new building, with all modern fittings, lightings and bathroom, with cool glass and metal finishes. They also had wifi and the water was warm. I was in heaven! Was actually better than Orion. A good tuk tuk driver can honestly make your stay, it was tucked away and I would have never found it by myself.

Got a well needed shower, washed half my pack, then met up with the pair later at Kushi café. I got a chicken curry with a porota. Felt like old times at Varkala!! Later on we went down princess street, the main street with lots of restaurants cafes and hotels scattered about. We got a lovely ice cream from this ice cream parlour. We also passed Basillicar church, a massive cathedral. Christianity is massive here and there are lots of pictures of Jesus and crucifixes everywhere. This was due to the Portuguese and Dutch colonising this places hundreds of years ago. Without being over the top it honestly felt you were in Europe somewhere or South America. Went back and started reading Ubik, it's a sci-fi book by the guy who wrote Minority Report and Blade Runner.

31/10/2013

Sorted Sri Lanka visa before going on to explore Fort Kochi. Explored the cathedral then went to see the Chinese fishing nets by the shore, these gigantic nets dangled over the water by a massive pyramid like structure. It takes 6 men to lower this contraption into the water then haul it back up with the catch. This is kochi's most famous attraction and there were lots of these fishing nets in a neat line. Rumour has it these people are funded by the government simply to attract the tourists, this is because this method of fishing is completely obsolete and inefficient to catch any sizeable haul, and could in no way be commercially viable to make a living. There was lots of washed up rubbish by the shore which was a real shame as it spoiled the nice atmosphere, there was a nice park besides the nets and these gigantic (I think) oak trees which honestly must have been over 1000 years old, they were crazy. Saw guy from Varkala walking past but didn't say hello.

Went to a Kathakali show on the night, a local art form where they dress up in crazy clothes and paint their faces. There was no words, but lots of noise via two guys on drums, and guy with two little symbols and another dude singing. The story was a bit strange, and without the accompanying sheet you got given which outlined the plot you wouldn't have a clue what was going on. The South Shields girl I saw in Alleppey was also there, so was good to see her again. I know its called a backpackers circuit but the amount of people I was bumping into again and again was just strange!!!

Met up with Lucy and Nick (they had already seen the show the night before) at Upstairs and got a pizza. Got served by a man dressed as a woman. Very odd.

01/11/2013

Woke up early and washed the remainder of my clothes before exploring the rest of FK. Went to the Portuguese-Indian museum, Nick and Lucy said they enjoyed it, but there was honestly nothing there and I finished it all of 5 mins. Got chatting to the ticket dude and he showed me his international coin collection. I had showed him some English money and he was fascinated by the 20p haha. Was going to go to the maritime musem but decided against it, instead went in the other direction to Jew Town, a place which is meant to be really nice. The tuk tuk driver was really good and acted as a tour guide, he showed me numerous churches, the spice market, the ginger and candle factory, as well as gave the heads up to a shop where the top floor has a balcony which gives good views across FK. All of this for 50rs. It was Friday so unfortunately the Synagogue was shut. As part of the deal I went in lots of shops, as apparently if he drops tourists of in certain places he gets a small petrol coupon. I didn't buy anything, but was happy to help the guy.

Met up with Lucy and Nick and got food, seen the Chile family from Shiva and said hello. Crazzzzy world!! Went to a martial arts show on the night. Was only 250 but was so amazing. We went into a small theatre which overlooked a small pit, and the guys performed routines with swords, knives, bamboo cane etc. It was like watching the Hollywood movie as the choreography was amazing. When the swords clashed there was sparks and it was quite intense seeing these blokes slashing and dodging as they tried to 'kill' each other. One time was a bit sketchy though, the dude spun round a metal pole as fast as he could in his hand and twice dropped in. I was honestly bricking it in case it flew out his hand and it could have killed someone!!! At the end there was a participation exercise where we went down to the pit and done this routine thing and got pics with the swords and shields, was a nice way to end and was funny.

Got food on the night and more ice cream and said my proper final goodbye to the pair. Was quite sad as they're two cracking people.