Our boat
Our punter
Sorting out coconut fibers
Twisting the fibers into rope called coir
Another backwater traveller
Indian logging truck- just as scary to pass as the U.P. type
Kerala is best known for the backwaters. It is hundreds of
kilometers of canals and waterways dotted with little villages. The water is
brackish and warm. The pace is slow and peaceful. The roads haven’t made it
through to many of the villages and those people travel by boat to and from
everywhere. The children go to school by boat not bus. There are a few
industries- making rope from coconut fiber, fish farming, growing spices and,
of course, taking tourists around.
We did a day long tour yesterday. Started on a big boat that
was powered by 2 men with punts. It was incredibly quiet and relaxing. Stopped
to look at a few villages, had a delicious thali lunch. Then we got into one of
the carved wooden canoes (also powered by a punter) and explored even smaller
canals. It was a tour- which Mike hates- but even he had to admit that it was
very relaxing and enjoyable. Our guide was this great old guy and we met a lot
of interesting people including our first big group of Americans. Made a good
connection with an American girl who lives in Northern Thailand. A really good
day.
Today we’re heading to the beach for a few days. I
hate to say it’s to get a little rest because it probably sounds like that’s
all we’re doing but it will be a way different pace than the city. When we get
back we’ll have a few travel days- I always have to psych up for those. A
little beach time should help.
We might be out of touch for a few days. Not sure about internet where we're headed. Mike says I hog the computer so I promise a blog post from him when we get back to civilization.
It's amazing to think of you so far away, on these backwaters! Sounds like you are having a marvelous time. I think I missed the reason why your shouldn't eat with your left hand……….
ReplyDeleteThe left hand is considered dirty because you toilet with your left hand and there is no paper- only a faucet with a little pitcher of water or a hose if you're lucky... It's tough for a lefty. Also sometimes there is no toilet, only a platform for your feet and a hole to squat. Use your imagination. Westerners usually break the rules by carrying paper and throwing it in the garbage. I'm a toilet paper hoarder...
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