It was an early start to catch the morning flight. The journey was smooth from Calicut to Kolkata. There was a stopover in Hyderabad. When I went through the transfer security, I noticed a lounge. It was for people with membership of some club or who had certain bank cards. I had opened my Indian … Continue reading / view photos Calicut to Hyderabad to Kolkata
Tag: India
Sunset in Calicut
For my last day, I went to KIRTADS. This museum had a history of local tribes and was also a research centre. I happen to pick the wrong day. The curator was on holiday! He normally gives a guided tour explaining the exhibits. So I walked around alone, followed by the friendly person on duty, … Continue reading / view photos Sunset in Calicut
Mosques, temple, market, and beach
In the morning, we took an auto for a whirlwind tour of some mosques and a Hindu temple. It helped that the auto driver was a Moslem and was able to get access to some of the mosques. We then went to SM Street, one of the popular shopping areas in Calicut. Helene was looking … Continue reading / view photos Mosques, temple, market, and beach
Walking around Calicut
It was time to return to Kozhikode (Calicut). Last night, I’d contacted the taxi driver who brought us to the homestay. After our breakfast, he drove us back to Calicut. We again encountered the nine (numbered) hairpin bends! After checking into our hotel, we explored Calicut for the first time. We walked along the beach … Continue reading / view photos Walking around Calicut
Arapetta Tea Factory
Our ultimate destination today was the Arapetta Tea Factory. Before setting out, we had another delicious and colourful breakfast! We found a path that ascended quite high from our homestay to give us panoramic views of the mountains. On the opposite side of the valley, we saw the location of the 2024 landslide. Triggered by … Continue reading / view photos Arapetta Tea Factory
Exploring around the village
The day started with another massive breakfast. I asked for toast and was able to use my Marmite. After yesterday’s long day being driven around Wayanad, we stayed on foot today. There was a path from the homestay that steeply descended from our 800m starting point. We decided to explore it without knowing where it … Continue reading / view photos Exploring around the village
A day tour around Wayanad
The day started with a huge breakfast! Neither of us like to waste food. So, we end up eating everything in front of us. Then we’re very full up. We’re going to have to tell them to cut back on the food! Our homestay hired their normal taxi for the day. He took us to … Continue reading / view photos A day tour around Wayanad
Aranyakum Homestay
Helene got the sleeper train from Thiruvananthapurum (Trivandrum) to Kozhikode (Calicut). She arrived about 6.30am. I went to the station to meet her. After freshening up, we ordered a taxi for the 2½ hour journey to Wayanad. We’d booked to stay in this traditional guesthouse, Aranyakum Homestay. During the car journey, we had a few … Continue reading / view photos Aranyakum Homestay
Last day in Chennai
I finished my novel, Butter, during breakfast and donated it to the Auroville bookcase. During breakfast at my Auroville guesthouse, this white, translucent spider was looking at me. I started to take a photo. Suddenly, the spider disappeared. I looked at my phone. It had jumped onto the back of it! I shook it off … Continue reading / view photos Last day in Chennai
Last tango in Auroville
I met Christiane, my Belgian friend and long-time Aurovillian, for lunch at the organic Solitude Farm. Their open-air vegan restaurant was recommended to me by several people. I don’t know why I hadn’t come earlier. The food was fresh and delicious. We also ordered some taster “flower” drinks. Christiane couldn’t stay for dessert. I ordered … Continue reading / view photos Last tango in Auroville