Cath had an early flight to catch. We said goodbye to her at 5.45am. I managed to fall back asleep despite the church music and sermons. This time they didn’t stop after 90 minutes and were still going strong when Helene and I left. We took a tuk tuk into town. I was going to … Continue reading / view photos Table-thumping, relaxing, and flying
Tag: Thiruvananthapurum
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
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