Monday 15 February 2016

A long coastal ride and a short swim

Up early for a ride out through the backwaters to the coast - stunning scenery in the early morning haze.




Finally reaching the coast


The first of two ferry rides onto an island north of Cochin.



Getting hot now so time to stop for lunch at this place called Bay Watch.


Before lunch a swim to cool off - either in the pool overlooking the lake or the Indian Ocean. We chose the sea - it was lovely, like a warm bath, but very few people were swimming, most were just walking along the sand.


After another twenty kilometres in the heat another ferry to Fort Cochin, completely crowded with people returning from work -standing room only.


Staying at a homestay (below) for the next two nights - a bit like a large B&B, but we have the day off tomorrow to explore Fort Cochin.


On Monday our guide Joseph had the day off but Rintu and Maneesh the driver offered to take us round the old town (Fort Cochin and Mattancherry) as it was their home town.


Past the Chinese fishing nets to the Jewish quarter - over the centuries Cochin has been lived in by Jews, Potuguese, Dutch and each have left their stamp. On to the Dutch Palace which is now a museum of life during the time of the Maharajas.


And of course, shopping! And Kerala seems to be in rivalry with Yorkshire for this title ...


 Wonderful local fish for dinner - choose your fish and they'll cook it for you.





















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