Kerala

Arrived Kochi in Kerala in the wee small hours and found a homestay. Kochi is a random mixture of Portugal, Holland and England with large Jewish community. Saw massive Chinese fishing nets, old spice warehouses and old Portugese palace from 1500's with amazingly colourful murals (and totally pornographic - e.g. a man with 6 arms pleasuring 8 milkmaids...).



Kochi massively touristy with loads of art cafes and nice hotels - only stayed one night, biarrely we missed the hecticness of other places (think we have got used to the constant noise of traffic and horns).

Kerala is the only decomocratically elected communist state with highest literacy and highest standard of living in India so much less poverty than other states. Hopefully other states will go the same way.

Went to Alleppey next morning which is a hectic market town on edge of the backwaters. The town is in the middle of a 12 day festival so saw procession to temple and music, fireworks etc. Went to fairground in the evening and saw the most dangerously put together rides in the world (I got stared at a lot for being the only female - women seem to retreat into their homes at night and men aren't shy about having a good old stare).

Took houseboat yesterday morning along backwaters with another couple (peaceful if it wasn't for the 6 million other boats... it is massively peak season here). Went past villages and rice paddies. Amazing food and had much fun with the other two. Slept on the boat and back to town this morning.

Its Friday 21st - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM, we will call later!!!!!