Lots of activity in the last few days...
We loved our stay in Ooty. Getting there was a hassle but getting away was amazing. Back in the day the British government of Madras moved to this hill station during the very hot summer months. We can understand why- the temps are pleasant, the hills are verdant, the air is thin and clean, the people very kind. We stayed with a really nice family in their homestay which is kind of like the English B & B. You get a nice room with an ensuite bathroom and then you join the family in their kitchen for breakfast. Mr. Sanjay and his family were very helpful with advice and in arranging transportation for us. The place was spotless, quiet, and the view was amazing! We hiked up into the mountainside and saw some tea plantations. We were invited into the home of some local folks for tea and conversation. A very pleasant time and a nice relief from crowds and heat.
To get away from Ooty the best way is to take the miniature or toy train to Mettupalayum. It is this beautiful old train (the railway has UNESCO World Heritage status) that travels on a narrow gauge track with a rack and pinion third rail to help pull the train up the mountain and slow it down while descending. The whole trip is only 46km but it takes 3 1/2 hours because the driver is basically braking the whole way. But the scenery is amazing- winding through the mountains from 2500m down to the plains. From there we hopped on another train for one night in Coimbatore and then on to the state of Kerala by train arriving yesterday afternoon.
We are happy to be back at the sea. The weather is really nice- high of 33C (88F) with a nice breeze. This town (Fort Cochin) feels comfortable. It's a bit touristy but the streets seem relatively quiet, not too many touts, the food is delicious. I guess it is grounding for us to stare out at a big body of water although the scene is bit different than we are used to at home. We are staying at another really nice homestay. Spotless, great breakfast, good wifi, hot water if we want/need it and the super friendly Mr. Abu is our host.
We've decided to stay here for a few days and catch our breath. We plan on going to a beach north of here tomorrow to check it out and, also, so Mike can swim (water isn't really swimmable here.) The next day we'll do a backwaters boat tour (more about that later.)
We plan on spending the rest of our time here in Kerala before we move north to Delhi on the 17th. Lots to see- spice plantations, the backwaters, beaches. So excited about eating seafood every day and of course the cold Kingfishers.
Speaking of that- it would seem from Mike's blog entries that the bulk of his time here is spent seeking out the ever elusive wine shop. That is not entirely accurate but I do have to say that at the end of the day yesterday after a few dry days in the mountains it was lovely to sit on a patio looking over the sea sipping on a cold beer and eating prawns curry.
We loved our stay in Ooty. Getting there was a hassle but getting away was amazing. Back in the day the British government of Madras moved to this hill station during the very hot summer months. We can understand why- the temps are pleasant, the hills are verdant, the air is thin and clean, the people very kind. We stayed with a really nice family in their homestay which is kind of like the English B & B. You get a nice room with an ensuite bathroom and then you join the family in their kitchen for breakfast. Mr. Sanjay and his family were very helpful with advice and in arranging transportation for us. The place was spotless, quiet, and the view was amazing! We hiked up into the mountainside and saw some tea plantations. We were invited into the home of some local folks for tea and conversation. A very pleasant time and a nice relief from crowds and heat.
To get away from Ooty the best way is to take the miniature or toy train to Mettupalayum. It is this beautiful old train (the railway has UNESCO World Heritage status) that travels on a narrow gauge track with a rack and pinion third rail to help pull the train up the mountain and slow it down while descending. The whole trip is only 46km but it takes 3 1/2 hours because the driver is basically braking the whole way. But the scenery is amazing- winding through the mountains from 2500m down to the plains. From there we hopped on another train for one night in Coimbatore and then on to the state of Kerala by train arriving yesterday afternoon.
We are happy to be back at the sea. The weather is really nice- high of 33C (88F) with a nice breeze. This town (Fort Cochin) feels comfortable. It's a bit touristy but the streets seem relatively quiet, not too many touts, the food is delicious. I guess it is grounding for us to stare out at a big body of water although the scene is bit different than we are used to at home. We are staying at another really nice homestay. Spotless, great breakfast, good wifi, hot water if we want/need it and the super friendly Mr. Abu is our host.
We've decided to stay here for a few days and catch our breath. We plan on going to a beach north of here tomorrow to check it out and, also, so Mike can swim (water isn't really swimmable here.) The next day we'll do a backwaters boat tour (more about that later.)
We plan on spending the rest of our time here in Kerala before we move north to Delhi on the 17th. Lots to see- spice plantations, the backwaters, beaches. So excited about eating seafood every day and of course the cold Kingfishers.
Speaking of that- it would seem from Mike's blog entries that the bulk of his time here is spent seeking out the ever elusive wine shop. That is not entirely accurate but I do have to say that at the end of the day yesterday after a few dry days in the mountains it was lovely to sit on a patio looking over the sea sipping on a cold beer and eating prawns curry.
I've come to view your blog posts as informative (which I love!) and Mike's as semi-fictional short essays (which are very entertaining!) The contrast is perfect, and then when you throw in the photos, it puts icing on the cake. :-) Just so you know, Rose, Scott and my sister Joan have all told me that they are following your blog, and enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteI wish it was easier to comment...
ReplyDeleteI have the hardest time proving I am not a robot! The "words" they make you type!!!!! maybe it is just me…..
DeleteI stink at those captcha things too.
DeleteGlad everyone is enjoying it. At first I was identifying who was writing which post but I think it's pretty obvious. Poetic license?
ReplyDeletevery obvious….delightful!
DeleteKeep em coming, great stories and please may I have a cold Kingfisher to go!
ReplyDeleteI spoke too soon about the beer... It was some type of holiday here in Kerala so no beer and the 1st day of every month is a dry day too- not sure why??
DeleteI'm thirsty for a Kingfisher too. Where is it sold in Marquette? White's?
ReplyDeleteI've had it at an Indian restaurant in a big city in the states but I would be surprised if they stocked it anywhere in Marquette. It's really not a great beer- especially when you consider all of the great beer they brew in the US- but it tastes great when you're here, it's hot and you're eating spicy food.
DeleteWow Reebs, that train sounds like quite the adventure! Do the brakes make noise? Seems like it could be a bit anxiety provoking ;). Charlie has been in my dreams the past 3 nights in very RinTinTin type roles. Making me smile. xo
ReplyDeleteNot too noisy and it was very relaxing. The train motion suits me well as far as my motion sickness. Way better than a bus or a clown car crammed with people. I miss Chuck too. He's doing well in L'ville.
DeleteSounds absolutely delightful. Your host family …how did you find them? Enjoying your blog so much. hugs,
ReplyDeleteFound this place on Tripadvisor. Great reviews! They are wonderful. Laundry, great breakfast and lots of good travel advice all with huge smiles!!!
DeleteI finally caught up! I agree with Mary regarding the different styles in writing! I enjoy it all! You both are very blessed and I am so happy for you!
ReplyDelete