Fort Kochi, Allepey, Varkala
After an overnight train journey from Madgoam, Goa we arrived in Kochi, Kerela. With the city divided into areas around a bay, we decided to stay in the area of Fort Kochi. We found a very friendly homestay in the pouring rain. After a tour of the town by auto rickshaw, we were challenged by our hosts to a game of cricket in the park. With a little help from one local and a small amount of skill on our part, we were beaten. Though not by as much as we expected. following this we were given a lift to a local fish market to purchase some fish for dinner at local prices rather than tourist prices, one of our hosts then cooked us a fantastic fish curry with some fried fish to go with it. I was one of the best and definately the cheapest meal we had in India.
The next morning we drove to the backwater town of Allepey andfound the only place showing the football. The following day we had a short boat tour of the backwaters as we were short on both time and money. After a pleasent few hours, cruising the canals and backwaters we were dropped off in town. We parted with Chris, who set off for Bangalore and his exam, and caught the train south to Varkala.
We arrived in Varkala as darkness set in, with Patrick eager to find a TV to watch the Arsenal. After a failed attempt to find lodgings at our Lonely Planet recommended hostel, our rickshaw driver took us to his recommendation. Arriving at a very welcoming family run hostel just set back from the cliffs, we quickly settled and asked where we could find a TV. The friendly owners immediately offered us theirs and moved it into our room. After a few minutes searching we discovered they did not have the channel needed to watch the football, so we set out along the cliff tops to find a bar or restaurant that did. Just in time we found one. The next morning we awoke to brilliant sunshine and headed for the very small beach a little way along the coast. We spent the day enjoying the sun and the incredibley strong waves under the beautiful cliffs. Today however, was not so nice with overcast skies all day followed by a storm that chased us along the clifftops until we found safety in a restaurant.
Tomorrow we head for Thekkady, via Kottayam where we will be reunited with Chris.
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robmorgan
Liked your account of trying to find a TV to watch the Man. U v Arsenal. N 8-2 result was mortifying.
Saw Ross today and heard about his views on India. He has obviously been moved by the experience and said he wasn’t expecting so many people. Your blog gives a clear picture of your trip and I’m longing to hear even more when you return.