I've been home for a little over a week now. It is strange, but India seems like so long ago. I've been looking through photos and telling people about the trip and each time I do, the trip gets a little further away. I am really glad I took all of those photos - with my good camera.
What I took away most of all from this trip was how lucky I am. I found my list of things to do before I die. I wrote a lot of stuff on that list. When I wrote it, there was part of me that thought this was such a pipe dream list. I never thought I would actually be able to accomplish the things on the list. Visiting India was on the list. I can cross that off now. That's amazing. (Thanks Scott!)
India left an impression on me. Deep down I guess I knew it would. I studied a lot about India in college and have always thought it was an interesting place to visit. There are few things I want to remember. Ferris Buller was right when he said, "Life moves pretty fast sometimes. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it." Too much of my day can be focused on what I have to do and not on what I am doing. The trip to India reminded me to take the time to look around. I can control how fast my life moves sometimes.
Also, I don't need a lot to be happy. I spent a lot of time looking at poverty while in India, but people were happy. They were surrounded by people they love and found joy in every day. It caused me to think about my life. I have so much stuff. I think that's going to change. I don't need it all.
In addition, I need to go back to Frankfurt - for a couple of reasons. I wasn't there long enough to explore it. I will go back there.
Finally, this was my first international trip. I took 7 flights and walked around airports in 5 different countries. In a way, this trip made the world smaller. I feel like I can see more of it. At the same time, it made the world so much bigger. There is so much out there to see. I want to see it. I want to experience life in all corners of the world.
It didn't seem possible before; but now, try stopping me. :)
I am one lucky girl.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Frankfurt
I haven't been able to update much, but I did want to make sure I wrote about my time in Frankfurt. It was quite a whirlwind of a time, but it was so great to be there. My friends Brandy and Nathan were so nice to let me stay over. Jet lag hit me pretty hard there, plus I was still getting over not feeling well from the morning before. As such, I didn't get to spend much time exploring the city, but it definitely a place that I will have to go back to. The streets were filled with lots of little shops that I would like to investigate. Brandy and I went to go get a coffee (well a latte machiatto to be exact) at a cute little cafe behind an old cathedral. This was my first visit to Europe. I totally see why people love it. Most of my time was spent catching up with Brandy and I wouldn't have had it any other way. So I guess I can say more of a report on Frankfurt next time I go.
I am home now. I slept for 12 hours and might go back for more. I have already been reflecting on the trip and will write something up on that point soon. I will also be posting photos soon. As for now, sleep and laundry will probably occupy my day. I just hope to keep Monday at bay for awhile.
I am home now. I slept for 12 hours and might go back for more. I have already been reflecting on the trip and will write something up on that point soon. I will also be posting photos soon. As for now, sleep and laundry will probably occupy my day. I just hope to keep Monday at bay for awhile.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Kovalam - Paradise #3
I am currently wasting time in the Dubai International Airport while waiting for my flight to Frankfurt. I was supposed to be on one right after I got off the one from Trivandurum, but they wouldn't let me on even though I was an hour early. This is the most modern place I have been in the past few weeks. It's kind of strange. Anyway, I wanted to take some time to jot down some notes about our time in Kovalam. (Oh, by the way, I am listening to the Slumdog Millionare soundtrack because that's the only Indian music I have on this computer at the moment. And yes, you needed to know that.)
Scott and I had the opportunity to see a lot of beautiful sites. Each time we arrived at a new location we would say, "THIS is paradise!" Each one is a paradise in it's own right. The last stop on our trip was to the beach town of Kovalam. It was the most touristy of all of the places I had been in India, but I didn't mind that much because when we opened the door from our hotel room, we could walk about 100 feet to the Arabian Sea. That beach was the best beach I had ever been on. Sand was soft and sans rocks. It wasn't too crowded and the view was simply amazing. We could have stared at it for hours. In fact, at times we did. There was a restaurant upstairs that we would go sit and eat, read and write and watch the waves. If we wanted to sit there all day we could. The sand was so smooth that you could see a reflection in the sand after a wave pushed ashore and retreated back into the sea. At times it was simply breathtaking.
Scott and I took some time to go out in the waves. They weren't too nice to me, so I stayed back - the undertow on some of those waves was wicked. Scott ventured out further then me. It was fun to watch him battle the wave and then wait for it to reach me. We both enjoyed our time in the sea so much that we went back later in the day. As a result, we both have skin with various shades of red and tan. While it hurts sometimes (more for Scott then me) it was all worth it.
We were in Kovallam for 2 full days. It was just enough time to enjoy what the area had to offer. The first part of our time there was taking in Lighthouse Beach, where our hotel was. There were shops to explore, food to eat, and waves to ride. We spent the morning of the 19th at the tip of India watching the sunrise along with a whole bunch of other people. While waking up at 2 am to take a 2 hour cab ride to get there and then have to wait an hour or so with the masses before the sun came up might not have been the most fun we had on the trip, but I am glad that we went and did this. It was interesting to me because we - along with everyone else - took time to watch an event that happens everyday and we take for granted. The sun was hiding behind some clouds but once someone spotted it, the crowd cheered. It was the pinkest sun I had ever seen. It came up over the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Afterwards devout Hindus bathed in the waters. It was something to see, that's for sure.
The 19th was also my birthday. It was simply the best one I ever had. We saw the sun rise, had a lazy day around the beach, took a nap, and then went out to dinner - oh and I wore shorts and got to get dressed up. It was nice. Oh yeah, and yesterday we ran into a couple that was staying at the same place we were in Wayanad. For such a huge country, it was funny that we ran into the same people on our trip! They were and older British couple (and Dad, they don't like Top Gear) who were very interested in our traveling throughout Kerala and Scott's perspective of being all throughout the country.
We woke up early again to today to make our ways to the airport. Scott is back in Dehli for a day and as you know I am currently in Dubai waiting to go to my next destination on this trip. It is strange because while I am sitting in one of the most modern buildings I've even been in with technology all around, all I can think about is Kerala. It will be interesting to see how my perspective on things changes due to this awesome trip I am on. We shall see. . .
In other news, I urge you to be considerate of those sitting behind you when on an airplane. Tall people have knees too.
Ok, I'm cold. I'm going to see if I can pick up some obnoxiously touristy sweatshirt here in the airport. Oh, there's a Cosi here, guys. Like Cosi sandwiches. In Dubai. It's next to a Burger King. So strange to see. Ok, writing must cease. Seriously.
Scott and I had the opportunity to see a lot of beautiful sites. Each time we arrived at a new location we would say, "THIS is paradise!" Each one is a paradise in it's own right. The last stop on our trip was to the beach town of Kovalam. It was the most touristy of all of the places I had been in India, but I didn't mind that much because when we opened the door from our hotel room, we could walk about 100 feet to the Arabian Sea. That beach was the best beach I had ever been on. Sand was soft and sans rocks. It wasn't too crowded and the view was simply amazing. We could have stared at it for hours. In fact, at times we did. There was a restaurant upstairs that we would go sit and eat, read and write and watch the waves. If we wanted to sit there all day we could. The sand was so smooth that you could see a reflection in the sand after a wave pushed ashore and retreated back into the sea. At times it was simply breathtaking.
Scott and I took some time to go out in the waves. They weren't too nice to me, so I stayed back - the undertow on some of those waves was wicked. Scott ventured out further then me. It was fun to watch him battle the wave and then wait for it to reach me. We both enjoyed our time in the sea so much that we went back later in the day. As a result, we both have skin with various shades of red and tan. While it hurts sometimes (more for Scott then me) it was all worth it.
We were in Kovallam for 2 full days. It was just enough time to enjoy what the area had to offer. The first part of our time there was taking in Lighthouse Beach, where our hotel was. There were shops to explore, food to eat, and waves to ride. We spent the morning of the 19th at the tip of India watching the sunrise along with a whole bunch of other people. While waking up at 2 am to take a 2 hour cab ride to get there and then have to wait an hour or so with the masses before the sun came up might not have been the most fun we had on the trip, but I am glad that we went and did this. It was interesting to me because we - along with everyone else - took time to watch an event that happens everyday and we take for granted. The sun was hiding behind some clouds but once someone spotted it, the crowd cheered. It was the pinkest sun I had ever seen. It came up over the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Afterwards devout Hindus bathed in the waters. It was something to see, that's for sure.
The 19th was also my birthday. It was simply the best one I ever had. We saw the sun rise, had a lazy day around the beach, took a nap, and then went out to dinner - oh and I wore shorts and got to get dressed up. It was nice. Oh yeah, and yesterday we ran into a couple that was staying at the same place we were in Wayanad. For such a huge country, it was funny that we ran into the same people on our trip! They were and older British couple (and Dad, they don't like Top Gear) who were very interested in our traveling throughout Kerala and Scott's perspective of being all throughout the country.
We woke up early again to today to make our ways to the airport. Scott is back in Dehli for a day and as you know I am currently in Dubai waiting to go to my next destination on this trip. It is strange because while I am sitting in one of the most modern buildings I've even been in with technology all around, all I can think about is Kerala. It will be interesting to see how my perspective on things changes due to this awesome trip I am on. We shall see. . .
In other news, I urge you to be considerate of those sitting behind you when on an airplane. Tall people have knees too.
Ok, I'm cold. I'm going to see if I can pick up some obnoxiously touristy sweatshirt here in the airport. Oh, there's a Cosi here, guys. Like Cosi sandwiches. In Dubai. It's next to a Burger King. So strange to see. Ok, writing must cease. Seriously.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Backwaters = Paradise
I wrote this entry while on a boat in the backwaters in Alleppey. Seriously, the most beautiful place ever. Photos take too long to upload so everyone will just have to sit tight. Don't worry, I have enough to share. Anyway, here are my thoughts about the backwaters . . .
Birds fly, skimming the water as the sun reflects on the glass like surface and disappears behind a strip of land lined with coconut trees. A woman works on readying a fishing net in a canoe in front of us. I am surrounded by every shated of green ever created. Banana trees press against the blue mosquito nets of the houseboat. A boy in an orange shirt rides his bike along the path. He stops and observes much like I have done numerous times the past few days. The sky has changed to a tranquil mixture of blue and pink. The Kingfisher calls while fish break through the water; creating rings that go on until reaching one of the fields of lily pads that line the shores. I am waiting for dinner to be served and I have to pinch myself to see if I am really here. The "slap, slap, slap" of women doing laundry in the river brings me back to reality. While walking around the village today it became quite clear that I am a very lucky person.
I am in paradise.
The sun is almost completely gone now. There are lights from other houseboasts and villages that reflect in the water. The hum of the fan is the loudest noise around. Scott sits at the table behind me writing his journal. We both had to document this part of our trip. I feel peaceful. I feel happy. I feel like all is right in the world. . I know that last one is cheesy, but it is true. Looking out along the placid, horizon I am calm and centered. I am trying to commit this moment in time to memory. Photos and words simoly won't do. India is an amazing place.
Next day . . .
I am lazily gliding down the backwaters, covered by green and beauty. "It wasn't a dream." is what both Scott and I were thinking when we woke up this morning. We spent some time palying Rummy 500. I won. It has been documented.
It has been nice to be on the boat and only think about the boat. My mind wonders through all of the sites I have seen so far and I am grateful. I am so much more aware of my own life and what is important to me. That might sound bad, but I cannot help but think about how fortunate I am in my life.
Kerala pineapple is the best pineapple in the world. India wine . . . . not so much.
This is something I will always remember.
Birds fly, skimming the water as the sun reflects on the glass like surface and disappears behind a strip of land lined with coconut trees. A woman works on readying a fishing net in a canoe in front of us. I am surrounded by every shated of green ever created. Banana trees press against the blue mosquito nets of the houseboat. A boy in an orange shirt rides his bike along the path. He stops and observes much like I have done numerous times the past few days. The sky has changed to a tranquil mixture of blue and pink. The Kingfisher calls while fish break through the water; creating rings that go on until reaching one of the fields of lily pads that line the shores. I am waiting for dinner to be served and I have to pinch myself to see if I am really here. The "slap, slap, slap" of women doing laundry in the river brings me back to reality. While walking around the village today it became quite clear that I am a very lucky person.
I am in paradise.
The sun is almost completely gone now. There are lights from other houseboasts and villages that reflect in the water. The hum of the fan is the loudest noise around. Scott sits at the table behind me writing his journal. We both had to document this part of our trip. I feel peaceful. I feel happy. I feel like all is right in the world. . I know that last one is cheesy, but it is true. Looking out along the placid, horizon I am calm and centered. I am trying to commit this moment in time to memory. Photos and words simoly won't do. India is an amazing place.
Next day . . .
I am lazily gliding down the backwaters, covered by green and beauty. "It wasn't a dream." is what both Scott and I were thinking when we woke up this morning. We spent some time palying Rummy 500. I won. It has been documented.
It has been nice to be on the boat and only think about the boat. My mind wonders through all of the sites I have seen so far and I am grateful. I am so much more aware of my own life and what is important to me. That might sound bad, but I cannot help but think about how fortunate I am in my life.
Kerala pineapple is the best pineapple in the world. India wine . . . . not so much.
This is something I will always remember.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Elephants! (and other stuff)
I know, elephants are exciting. And I know what you are thinking . . . "Did you take any photos?" The answer is yes I took photos, but I haven't had a chance to post any yet. I promise you will see them soon. I hope to get some up before we head to our next stop in Alleppey.
So yeah, Scott and I saw some elephants. The place we are staying at arranged a diver to to take us to a wildlife preserve. We were up early again, but were glad that we did because we ended up seeing quite a few elephants. It is interesting because us tourists are all about elephants, but here in India they are like deer (they have deer here too). People try and keep them out of their crops, there are watch for elephant crossing signs, and they live in preserves. It is kind of hard to imagine an elephant wondering across 355 on the way home from work, but that is what it is like here.I could write more about the elephants, but photos really do make it so much easier.
After our jeep ride through the preserve we went to check out Edakkal Caves (google it). We were told that it was a 1K trip up to the caves and we could either take a jeep or walk. Now, you know I've been taking on 5K's and Scott has been getting to the gym for quite sometime, so we decided to walk it. It was uphill and a bit tiring, but we saw the entrance to the caves - or so we thought. When we finished our 1K hike, we then had to climb up steep stone steps for what seemed like another kilometer. We stopped at the top to take in the view, but then realized that we weren't finished yet, there was still more climbing to be done. Everyone who was coming down, told us, "It's just a little further" or "Just a little bit more." So we keep going. I think some people thought I couldn't make it and were either concerned for me or laughing because they didn't think I could make it. That and the fact that I am sure that my face matched the red shirt that I was wearing. But I didn't let that bother me and kept on going. Kept going I did and we made it to the top. The view was one the the most memorable views I had ever seen. I thought that the Rockies were impressive, but this, was something else. Throughout this whole time I really was scared because I didn't think that I would make it. I had never attempted such a climb before. But for once I didn't let the negative thoughts get me down and I made it to the top. The cave itself wasn't anything extraordinary, but I am glad it was there as a goal to reach, otherwise I'm not sure I would have made it to the top.
Scott and I then made our way down the very steep mountain feeling pretty good about ourselves. We were energized and thought that we could continue to explore the land of the Wayanad District. We told our driver that we wanted to go to see a waterfall nearby. I think our driver thought we were insane. "High risk, very high risk!" he told us. But confident from our previous hike we decided to make this trip. Unlike the hike to the caves, this one was down before up. Now there's downhill and there there is almost vertical down hill. This was almost vertical downhill. We started off and knew that the trip back up would be difficult, but kept on trekking. There were some pretty steep moments when we had to use a rope to help us down. At one point we decided, ok, maybe this wasn't the best idea. I stayed by a rock while Scott went ahead to see if he could catch a glimpse of the waterfall. On the way he had to stop on bag of rice that was connecting two rocks. There was no way I was going to do that. He came back saying, "There's no way we are going to do that." So in agreement, we made our way back up to the entrance and made our way back to our homestay.
Today we are just hanging around the homestay. This place is actually a coffee estate so this morning we took a tour. We saw a bunch of different crops and how they are harvested. It was interesting to me to see how rubber was harvested and made into a product that we know. Along the way we stopped at a Jain temple about 800 or 900 years old. It was the first temple I've seen since being here in India. It was awesome. It reminded me of something out of Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones. Then when we came back we watched how lunch was made. Since Scott and I both like to cook, we have been trying to collect recipes wherever we can. It has been fun. I'll see if I can make any of them when I get back.
It has been really interesting staying in this part of India. I know I am not getting the hustle and bustle experience one might get in Delhi or Mumbai, but I am see a part of India many do not see. I am astounded by the scenery every time I look at it. It is beautiful and the people are amazing. I will remember this for the rest of my life.
We have one more day here before we head off for a backwaters tour in Alleppey. We will be getting ayurvedic massages. It is a specialty of Kerala. You should google it. :) It will be sad to leave, but I am looking forward to exploring more of Kerala.
So yeah, Scott and I saw some elephants. The place we are staying at arranged a diver to to take us to a wildlife preserve. We were up early again, but were glad that we did because we ended up seeing quite a few elephants. It is interesting because us tourists are all about elephants, but here in India they are like deer (they have deer here too). People try and keep them out of their crops, there are watch for elephant crossing signs, and they live in preserves. It is kind of hard to imagine an elephant wondering across 355 on the way home from work, but that is what it is like here.I could write more about the elephants, but photos really do make it so much easier.
After our jeep ride through the preserve we went to check out Edakkal Caves (google it). We were told that it was a 1K trip up to the caves and we could either take a jeep or walk. Now, you know I've been taking on 5K's and Scott has been getting to the gym for quite sometime, so we decided to walk it. It was uphill and a bit tiring, but we saw the entrance to the caves - or so we thought. When we finished our 1K hike, we then had to climb up steep stone steps for what seemed like another kilometer. We stopped at the top to take in the view, but then realized that we weren't finished yet, there was still more climbing to be done. Everyone who was coming down, told us, "It's just a little further" or "Just a little bit more." So we keep going. I think some people thought I couldn't make it and were either concerned for me or laughing because they didn't think I could make it. That and the fact that I am sure that my face matched the red shirt that I was wearing. But I didn't let that bother me and kept on going. Kept going I did and we made it to the top. The view was one the the most memorable views I had ever seen. I thought that the Rockies were impressive, but this, was something else. Throughout this whole time I really was scared because I didn't think that I would make it. I had never attempted such a climb before. But for once I didn't let the negative thoughts get me down and I made it to the top. The cave itself wasn't anything extraordinary, but I am glad it was there as a goal to reach, otherwise I'm not sure I would have made it to the top.
Scott and I then made our way down the very steep mountain feeling pretty good about ourselves. We were energized and thought that we could continue to explore the land of the Wayanad District. We told our driver that we wanted to go to see a waterfall nearby. I think our driver thought we were insane. "High risk, very high risk!" he told us. But confident from our previous hike we decided to make this trip. Unlike the hike to the caves, this one was down before up. Now there's downhill and there there is almost vertical down hill. This was almost vertical downhill. We started off and knew that the trip back up would be difficult, but kept on trekking. There were some pretty steep moments when we had to use a rope to help us down. At one point we decided, ok, maybe this wasn't the best idea. I stayed by a rock while Scott went ahead to see if he could catch a glimpse of the waterfall. On the way he had to stop on bag of rice that was connecting two rocks. There was no way I was going to do that. He came back saying, "There's no way we are going to do that." So in agreement, we made our way back up to the entrance and made our way back to our homestay.
Today we are just hanging around the homestay. This place is actually a coffee estate so this morning we took a tour. We saw a bunch of different crops and how they are harvested. It was interesting to me to see how rubber was harvested and made into a product that we know. Along the way we stopped at a Jain temple about 800 or 900 years old. It was the first temple I've seen since being here in India. It was awesome. It reminded me of something out of Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones. Then when we came back we watched how lunch was made. Since Scott and I both like to cook, we have been trying to collect recipes wherever we can. It has been fun. I'll see if I can make any of them when I get back.
It has been really interesting staying in this part of India. I know I am not getting the hustle and bustle experience one might get in Delhi or Mumbai, but I am see a part of India many do not see. I am astounded by the scenery every time I look at it. It is beautiful and the people are amazing. I will remember this for the rest of my life.
We have one more day here before we head off for a backwaters tour in Alleppey. We will be getting ayurvedic massages. It is a specialty of Kerala. You should google it. :) It will be sad to leave, but I am looking forward to exploring more of Kerala.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Wayanad - day 1
So today was pretty awesome and completely reminded me of the Amazing Race. (I know, everyday is awesome because I am in India, but seriously today I saw so much!) Scott and I woke up early in the morning to catch a train to make our way to Wayanad District of Kerala, India. This was my first train ride in India. My first train ride in a foreign country for that matter, so I wanted to take it all in.
Indian train stations are organized and disorganized at the same time. If you walk right in you will see that there is a lot going on, people are everywhere, but if you look closer, you will find that there really is a system to the whole thing. I am glad that we had purchased tickets beforehand though because if we had to get tickets today I don't think that there would be much luck. We found our car and sat down. I was consumed with watching the landscape most of the time. As we left the station the landscape continued to change. The earth is red, homes are brightly colored, and everything else is GREEN. This is the greenest place I think I will ever see in my entire life. (Throughout this whole experience I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to be here. I never thought that I would be able to see much of the world, let alone come to a place like India. It really is amazing. During this train ride I was again reminded of how grateful I am for this whole experience.) The landscape was completely mesmerizing, as was watching was was happening at each of the stations we stopped at. People would get off and buy food and jump back on. I enjoyed seeing that snapshot of Indian life was we traveled today. Scott ended up conversing with a gentleman on the train who was talking to us about traveling in Kerala. We are so lucky we met this guy because without him we would have missed our stop in Calicut and really be up a creek. At the train station a driver met us and two men carried our bags to the car on their heads. (Yes, I took a photo.)
Anyway, then we traveled another 2 hours to Ente Veedu (http://enteveedu.co.in/ - check it out!). The ride up here was amazing. We went through some cities and then climbed up a mountain of sorts on a long winding road in the middle of the rain forest. It rained, there were monkeys, there were cows, and there was a lot of driving going on. It was one of the most memorable car rides in my life. Again, I couldn't stop looking out the window. Oh and rain forest rain, is so much better then Chicago rain.
So we are relaxing here, at our homestay for the night and then heading out to the Elephant Preserve tomorrow morning. It should be a blast. There really is much more to write, but I could go on and on and on. (If I don't end up posting about it, remind me to talk to you about driving in India). Now I'm going to go curl up with a book, some tea, and the rain forest. (I know right, it's amazing.)
Indian train stations are organized and disorganized at the same time. If you walk right in you will see that there is a lot going on, people are everywhere, but if you look closer, you will find that there really is a system to the whole thing. I am glad that we had purchased tickets beforehand though because if we had to get tickets today I don't think that there would be much luck. We found our car and sat down. I was consumed with watching the landscape most of the time. As we left the station the landscape continued to change. The earth is red, homes are brightly colored, and everything else is GREEN. This is the greenest place I think I will ever see in my entire life. (Throughout this whole experience I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to be here. I never thought that I would be able to see much of the world, let alone come to a place like India. It really is amazing. During this train ride I was again reminded of how grateful I am for this whole experience.) The landscape was completely mesmerizing, as was watching was was happening at each of the stations we stopped at. People would get off and buy food and jump back on. I enjoyed seeing that snapshot of Indian life was we traveled today. Scott ended up conversing with a gentleman on the train who was talking to us about traveling in Kerala. We are so lucky we met this guy because without him we would have missed our stop in Calicut and really be up a creek. At the train station a driver met us and two men carried our bags to the car on their heads. (Yes, I took a photo.)
Anyway, then we traveled another 2 hours to Ente Veedu (http://enteveedu.co.in/ - check it out!). The ride up here was amazing. We went through some cities and then climbed up a mountain of sorts on a long winding road in the middle of the rain forest. It rained, there were monkeys, there were cows, and there was a lot of driving going on. It was one of the most memorable car rides in my life. Again, I couldn't stop looking out the window. Oh and rain forest rain, is so much better then Chicago rain.
So we are relaxing here, at our homestay for the night and then heading out to the Elephant Preserve tomorrow morning. It should be a blast. There really is much more to write, but I could go on and on and on. (If I don't end up posting about it, remind me to talk to you about driving in India). Now I'm going to go curl up with a book, some tea, and the rain forest. (I know right, it's amazing.)
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cochin
This post is coming at you from an internet cafe in Cochin, Kerala, India.
Cochin is pretty cool. Think of the Florida Keys but in India and you have Cochin - sorta. It's hard to explain without photos (womp, womp not this time), but it's the best I can do. You should google it. I think it is a great place to get my bearings before moving on to the rest of Kerala. I am learning that Kerala is different from the rest of India. So if you are expecting to hear stories along the lines of Slumdog Millionaire you will not hear them from me. I can tell you that it is hot and humid. I was expecting it, but coming from the frigid temperatures of Chicago, this is a nice break.Also, I'm glad that Scott has been here a few more weeks than myself because I was able to benefit from his knowledge of the country before I got here. He had come to know the country pretty well in his time here.
Getting here was a bit rough because my flight from Newark ended up getting delayed which made my layover in Mumbai a tad bit shorter then expected. I found that if you go up to Indian people they will most likely want to help you, but might expect payment in return. During that time in the Mumbai airport, I didn't care because I didn't want to miss my flight to Cochin. Oh, and I almost lost my purse, but don't worry mom, I found it. :) Anyway, after all of the drama, I met up with Scott (it was so great to see him, for many reasons) and we headed to Chochin.
My first views of the country in the dark, so they are a little bit different from the first impressions that you might expect. India at 3 am is not India at 10am. We are staying at a homestay here in Fort Cochin. It is a great little place. I will post photos at some point, but don't have time to do so now. It's like a bed and breakfast. We have breakfast every morning with the rest of the guests. This morning it was nice to talk to some of them about their travels in India. Seeing as I just got here it gave me a wider perspective of the country.
Today is our last day in Cochin and then we head to Wayanad, google it. I am looking forward to seeing a new part of Kerala. I think I will find that even though I am experiencing a much more focused trip then others have had when they come to India, I will still experience the same diversity that this country reflects.
Oh yeah, before I go. Food has been awesome. I just finished some prawns and white snapper that we got right from the fisherman and brought to a restaurant to cook. I am learning the seafood is good food. I should eat it more. I am now off to a cooking class to learn from the locals how it is done. Since we both like to cook I think that both of us are going to enjoy it.
I will post an update the next chance I get, but I have to say I am enjoying the break from email and my cell phone. Yes, I love both of them dearly, but sometimes a break is good.
Hope everyone is doing well!
Cochin is pretty cool. Think of the Florida Keys but in India and you have Cochin - sorta. It's hard to explain without photos (womp, womp not this time), but it's the best I can do. You should google it. I think it is a great place to get my bearings before moving on to the rest of Kerala. I am learning that Kerala is different from the rest of India. So if you are expecting to hear stories along the lines of Slumdog Millionaire you will not hear them from me. I can tell you that it is hot and humid. I was expecting it, but coming from the frigid temperatures of Chicago, this is a nice break.Also, I'm glad that Scott has been here a few more weeks than myself because I was able to benefit from his knowledge of the country before I got here. He had come to know the country pretty well in his time here.
Getting here was a bit rough because my flight from Newark ended up getting delayed which made my layover in Mumbai a tad bit shorter then expected. I found that if you go up to Indian people they will most likely want to help you, but might expect payment in return. During that time in the Mumbai airport, I didn't care because I didn't want to miss my flight to Cochin. Oh, and I almost lost my purse, but don't worry mom, I found it. :) Anyway, after all of the drama, I met up with Scott (it was so great to see him, for many reasons) and we headed to Chochin.
My first views of the country in the dark, so they are a little bit different from the first impressions that you might expect. India at 3 am is not India at 10am. We are staying at a homestay here in Fort Cochin. It is a great little place. I will post photos at some point, but don't have time to do so now. It's like a bed and breakfast. We have breakfast every morning with the rest of the guests. This morning it was nice to talk to some of them about their travels in India. Seeing as I just got here it gave me a wider perspective of the country.
Today is our last day in Cochin and then we head to Wayanad, google it. I am looking forward to seeing a new part of Kerala. I think I will find that even though I am experiencing a much more focused trip then others have had when they come to India, I will still experience the same diversity that this country reflects.
Oh yeah, before I go. Food has been awesome. I just finished some prawns and white snapper that we got right from the fisherman and brought to a restaurant to cook. I am learning the seafood is good food. I should eat it more. I am now off to a cooking class to learn from the locals how it is done. Since we both like to cook I think that both of us are going to enjoy it.
I will post an update the next chance I get, but I have to say I am enjoying the break from email and my cell phone. Yes, I love both of them dearly, but sometimes a break is good.
Hope everyone is doing well!
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