From Kollan station, we took a tuk tuk to Ashtamudi Villas, where we were staying. The grounds had mango and jackfruit trees. We had a delicious freshly made lunch. We sat outside with a beautiful view of the lake. After relaxing on the hammocks by the lake, we went on a sunset boat ride organised … Continue reading / view photos Ashtamudi Lake: fireworks but no elephants
Tag: India
Prakash’s extraordinary story
Sometimes you do somthing and there’s a serendipitous outcome. You’re glad you didn’t take the alternative, possibly easier option. This happened today. Cath, Helene, and I had a 9.30am train to catch to Kollam. A taxi took us to the station from our homestay. The train was delayed 45 minutes. If you book a ticket, … Continue reading Prakash’s extraordinary story
Lazy day in Thiruvananthapuram
I can now spell Thiruvananthapuram without looking it up! For breakfast, the owners made a delicious idli, sambar and coconut chutney dish. After some dawdling, Cath, Helene and I headed out. First we visited Helene’s apartment. Next, we went to find Tiger Balm. I use it for mosquito bites and the itching disappears very quickly. … Continue reading / view photos Lazy day in Thiruvananthapuram
Beach villa
I left my hotel and went to a homestay near the beach. Cath and I would be staying there for a few days and Helene would join us after work. After checking in, the owner, Edwin, introduced me to his wife, Ashley. Cath came later. She’d finished her yoga retreat. I’d ordered an Uber for … Continue reading / view photos Beach villa
From rupees to QR codes: how India went cashless
Sometimes when you’re in a country, some things can be so common that you get used to them. You forget that the thing might be unique to that country. In Japan, for example, the prevalence of a particular type of convenience store every 100m is quite common in Japan. It’s not in other countries. In … Continue reading / view photos From rupees to QR codes: how India went cashless
Books and the Legislative Assembly
I mentioned that I had some 2,000 Rs notes from my last trip to India. These, I was told, were worthless now. I had about a hundred pounds’ worth! On asking more people I got contradictory answers. A bank I tried wouldn’t change them, but I was none the wiser whether it was possible another bank … Continue reading / view photos Books and the Legislative Assembly
Temple, market, and moonlight swimming
I had a couple of days in Thiruvananthapurum (aka Trivandrum) before meeting Cath and Helene. When I think of Thiruvananthapurum, I wonder if it’s twinned with that Welsh town with a very very long name. For my first full day, I headed to Sree Padmanabhhaswamy Temple. If you tell taxi drivers you want to go … Continue reading / view photos Temple, market, and moonlight swimming
Train to Thiruvananthapurum
Indian trains are renowned for overcrowding. This occurs for the unticketed seats. For the ticketed seats, there is a sophisticated buying system. Some seats have higher demand, like those with air-conditioning. For these, you generally have to buy an advanced ticket because they can sell out quickly. You have several options. If you try early … Continue reading / view photos Train to Thiruvananthapurum
Jew Town
On my guided sightseeing trip with Jithu, he also took me to Jew Town in Kochi (aka Cochin). History Jewish settlers came to India as early as the 1st Century. Following floods and persecution by Portuguese colonists, Jews moved to Kochi in the 14th Century. They were welcomed by the Raja at the time. He gave … Continue reading / view photos Jew Town
Sightseeing with Jithu
Yesterday, a tuk tuk driver, Jithu, took me to the Love in Earth restaurant. Tuk tuk drivers are always trying to give you a cheap tour. They charge a low price because they take you to tourist shops. These shops sell you things like jewellery, perfume, spices, saris, scarves, and ornaments. The drivers get a … Continue reading / view photos Sightseeing with Jithu