Cyclone Nisha's Aftermath

Although the cyclone has passed, we still are experiencing some after effects. Rain, albeit more intermittent, still likes to pour down in force. Streets just beginning to drain once again fill with water, making it difficult for pedestrians and motorists alike. Rivers and canals are now quite high, leaving only a few feet of space between lower bridges. I saw thatched huts submerged in the water, with only the sloped roof showing. Mud-brick thatched huts were also in danger of collapsing under the strain of so much rainfall. The family of my neighbor’s housekeeper had their house full of water. They stayed in my neighbor’s apartment until it subsided. How many others are in similar situations, with their simple homes built along the banks of rivers and canals? All total, 86 people perished in Tamil Nadu.

As for me, I am beginning to see the effects in my apartment. Wet spots on the wall and in the last two days I've found mold on stuff ranging from some clothing, leather items, wood, and textiles. Paper feels limp and damp. Yuck! I guess I know what I am doing tomorrow! If you have any tips on how to get rid of mold, send them this way.

These photos were taken a couple of days ago. The waters actually got higher, but I didn't want to risk my camera as it was raining. Actually, it's raining AGAIN!

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Cyclone Nisha and Chennai Floods

Today we had our first day off of school - not due to snowfall like I experienced last year in Belgrade, but due to the heavy rains associated with Cyclone Nisha. I couldn't find rainfall totals since the cyclone came on land, but on Wednesday alone, Chennai got over 5.5" (14cm). Considering that it rained just as hard today and there's more to come, the city will get a lot of rain.

I went for a short walk this morning when the rain abated for a bit, then later to my principal's house for lunch. Even in a few short hours, the water in front of their house rose considerably. The local cricket field once again resembles a pond. My neighbor later warned me not to go for a walk in the next two days, as power lines might be down and feeding electricity into the flooded streets. Indeed, over 22 people have died within the last 24 hours, mostly due to electrocution or walls falling in. One auto rickshaw driver got killed when a tree fell onto his vehicle. I thought of the poor people living in thatched huts near the rivers, canals, and sea. How many of their homes were flooded or destroyed? Considering the polluted nature of many of the region's rivers, I certainly wouldn't want that water going in my house! Once again, I realized how fortunate I am, as there are many who don't have a dry safe house to escape the rains.

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Terrorist attack in Mumbai

This morning when I checked my usual websites as part of my morning routine, I saw the news headlines in which a photo of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai (Bombay) was on fire, with the headline reading that a series of terrorist attacks had been carried out late last night. Two five-star hotels, a hospital, and a train station were attacked, with an unknown Islamic group claiming responsibility. Details are still unfolding, but it is known that over 80 are dead and over 200 injured. Hostages may have also been taken. There are some reports that the terrorists at the hotels were seeking to find USA and UK passport holders. Cosmopolitan Mumbai is the economic capital of India and the places were carefully chosen for maximum impact - frequented by foreigners, the wealthy, and high-ranking people.

Two of my former colleagues in Belgrade are teaching in Mumbai. Thankfully their apartment is located quite a distance from downtown where the events took place. As a precaution, their school is closed for the day, with all told to stay home and lay low.

Chennai, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is far away from Mumbai and has different demographics. It has far fewer foreigners (toursits and expats) and is less developed/more sleepy- if one can say that for a city of over 7 million people! There are also far fewer Moslems here. I also have school off today, thanks to the weather. Like my colleagues in Mumbai, I will stay at home, using the opportunity to get some artwork done. Do know that I feel safe here.

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My First Cyclone

Yesterday afternoon the uncharacteristically strong winds invited the rains to join in. Since then, the rains have continued, at times quite heavy. From past experiences I knew that the ride to school would not be one to look forward to, but I had to leave anyway. One of the apartment residents was surprised that I was leaving, as the city's schools and colleges were canceled for the day. Not ours. Just like snowy days in which faculty & students felt like they should have had a day off, people were abuzz with the weather and the challenges they faced getting to school. For some, it took way over 2 1/2 hours just to get to school from across town. Thankfully, after school activities were canceled and everyone ordered to leave after the end of the school day. Instead of the auto rickshaw with its open sides I took to school, I got a ride in a car with a colleague. No splashing road water for me!

The reason for the sometimes heavy rain and strong (65 kmph) winds? Tropical Cyclone Nisha. Now over Tamil Nadu, this storm has caused flooding and up to 28 deaths, mostly due to electrocution or walls caving in. Many teachers (particularly those near the Bay of Bengal) were without power since last night. Not me! Finally one benefit of living near the Adyar River and not the sea. We were told to bring along our telephone trees and I saw many a teacher doing the "rain dance" hoping for a day off tomorrow. We'll see...

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One Year On: "One Sunday Morning"

Just one year ago I was writing about a heavy snowfall which caused a freak chain reaction leading to an electrical surge that could have sent up the school in flames. That was in Belgrade, Serbia. Now, one year on, I am in Chennai India - definitely a world away. With "fall" temperatures hovering around the low 80's (27°C), snowfall here is but a foreign concept. Empty snow-covered hills are replaced with flat, bustling, puddle-filled streets. Instead of the Sava River view from my apartment, I smell the Adyar River. I now go to a large purpose-built school instead of a small one whose main buildings are villas. Serbian and American names are replaced by Korean and Indian ones. Getting around consisted mainly of hopping on a tram, bus, or walking. Now I get to school with an auto rickshaw.

I miss my friends and colleagues in Belgrade. I enjoyed the change of seasons, the old architecture, and ease of getting around. I remind myself that India has much to offer - so much to see, great shopping opportunities, and exposure to cultures totally unfamiliar to me. Although I will never blend in here, I do look forward to getting more familiar with Chennai, meeting more of the local people and experiencing its many cultural events and various sights.

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St. Thomé Basilica, Chennai

San Thomé Basilica, located near Marina Beach in Chennai, is one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an Apostle of Jesus - St. Thomas, otherwise known as “Doubting Thomas.” An emboldened St. Thomas came to India in 52AD on the West Coast, preaching and setting up churches in the region of Kerala before making his way to the Eastern side of India, including Chennai. It was on a hill now known as “St. Thomas Mount” where he was martyred. The present-day church was erected over his tomb.

In 1956, Pope Pius XII elevated the church to the rank of a minor Basilica. Pope John Paul II also visited this important religious site.

San Thomé Basilica is built in the Gothic style, a distinctive landmark of Chennai. A large church, it is 155 feet in height with a nave of 112 x 33 feet and is filled with tall stained glass windows depicting St. Thomas and the other Apostles. The front of the church has a large crucifix sculpture of Jesus, with its kind eyes transfixed upon the viewer.

Off to one side a sculpture of Madonna and Child - “Our Lady of Mylapore” was encased behind glass, framed by a “curtain” of jasmine and other garlands of flowers. The basilica also includes a smaller adjoining chapel for mass, a small museum, gift shop, and a recently added entrance to the lower level where worshipers and tourists alike can view St. Thomas’ tomb without impacting services above.

I received a personal tour of the basilica, led by a young travel agent who proudly traces his ancestry back as a descendant of one of the original “St. Thomas Christians”. Some of the most important events in his life and that of his family took place within these walls – as well as being a central figure in daily life. The sky, initially a bright blue when we arrived, was now fading into an early evening sunset. In front of the church several men made preparations for carrying a smaller replica of a praying Mary around the church grounds.

See more photos on my website. For more information on San Thomé Basilica, visit this official website

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Do Videnja Yugo!

This morning I scanned the BBC website as I normally do every morning before I go to school. One article piqued my interest - Yugo production grinds to a halt. These cheap ($4,000) cars continue to be a mainstay in Serbia, owned by young and old alike. These cars definitely would not win prizes for their aesthetics & design (boxy & plain), nor do they win praises for safety ratings. Nonetheless, they continue to be a source of pride for Serbians, as one of the remaining symbols of former Yugoslavia. Like the country of its namesake, now the production line for Yugos is no longer. Do Videnja and farewell!

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Riding the Jesus Bus

In Kerala, a sizeable percentage of the population is Christian. As in Chennai, it was common to see one’s religious affiliation displayed in the form of images and symbols on auto rickshaws and other vehicles. Here in Kerala, they go one step further, naming busses, trucks, etc. according to their religious affiliation. Here you can see the Jesus bus. Or if you prefer, you could take the Hindu Ammu bus!

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Jew Town Adventures, Kochin

With the morning to spare, we decided to visit Jew Town and its many shops. One of the teachers immediately realized that she left her backpack in the back of the auto rickshaw – complete with her passport and money. Immediately a person offered her his bike. Although she pedaled fast, she wasn’t able to find the vehicle. Soon a crowd mobilized, all offering to help. Through the deductive work of fellow rickshaw drivers and the tenacity of a police officer on a motorbike, the rickshaw was finally located. The driver delivered the backpack and all its contents – a happy ending. Shortly thereafter a TV station arrived to report on the story – our second time in the news during our trip to Kerala.

Relieved, we spent some time going through some of the many shops in the area. Some of the salesmen were quite sleek in their pitches. Unable to completely avoid the lure of the dominantly northern-India crafts, we all emerged with shopping bags and fewer rupees.

For lunch the manager of the homestay cooked us a briyani rice dish with chicken and sauce. It was another example of the warm Kerala hospitality. As we sat on cushions on the hotel’s rooftop, it was hard to believe that our trip was drawing to a close.

Aware of the distance to the airport, we decided to "splurge" and take a taxi instead of trying to cram ourselves and baggage into a rickshaw. A wise choice. At the new-looking airport with Kerala-inspired architectural elements, we were disappointed to see our flight delayed. Not much to do but wait. There we met the French teacher at our school. Her animated conversations helped pass the time until we boarded the plane. An hour later, we were back to the bustle of Chennai.

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Kathakali Dance-Drama

Now dark, we walked from our hotel to the location of the kathakali story-play, a highly-evolved classical form of dance, drama and music dating back about 400 years. We arrived early enough to see part of the make-up application process that usually takes about four hours. Symbolic colors, comprised of mineral pigments and lamp black, were surprisingly vibrant. A white paper frill was then attached to define the jaw line. While the all-male actors were finishing their dress-up, one actor came on stage and explained the basics, emphasizing the importance of eye movements/gestures and special sign language. Starting rather modestly, the music and movements became more rapid and emotive, with the two main characters twirling in their voluminous colorful skirts until good finally triumphed over evil. I was glad I was able to sample the famous Kerala Kathakali dance drama, but I don’t think I’d want to sit through the all-night performances held in temple courtyards during religious festivals.

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Fort Kochi

Not having a detailed map, we were unable to ascertain where the bus station was located relative to our destination – Fort Kochi. Thinking that the auto rickshaw drivers in this metropolitan city were simply charging us tourist prices for a short distance, we were surprised as the driver took us farther and farther, across long bridges until we finally reached the natural harbor of Fort Kochi. Feeling a bit guilty and grateful we got a ride that far, we gave him a bit more money.

Dropping off our stuff at the brightly painted homestay, we began our exploration of this Heritage Zone. A rather compact area, one could visit the pleasant park, see the Chinese fishing nets, and enjoy the myriad of historical architecture erected during the Dutch, Portuguese, and British occupations. St. Francis Church, built by the Portuguese in 1502 and one of the oldest churches constructed by Europeans in India, had its simple façade scaffolded. Other buildings of note included an unusual –looking mosque, the ornate Santa Cruz Cathedral, and some charming restaurants/shops.

Many auto rickshaws were around, but I told the drivers that I preferred to walk. One told me that if I got in his vehicle and went into a large shop mere steps away, he would get a liter of fuel. I admired the handicrafts and textiles in the store but didn’t purchasing anything. In the driveway, the driver was waiting for me. I once again re-iterated that I preferred to walk, but he insisted and said that he’d take me around for free. Realizing that I didn’t have a whole lot of time before the concert that evening, I decided to take him up on his offer. He took me to the true spice warehouses, through the thick-beamed entryways and into the rooms with spices and ayurvedic plants/medicines ready in large bags for export. It smelled so good. With the lighting now golden, we arrived at Jew Town. Unfortunately the synagogue was closed, so I took photos of the exterior and other neighboring buildings. The entire area here was full of shops selling textiles, jewelry, and other goodies for tourists.

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Munnar Town

Back in Munnar for the evening, we took advantage of the opportunity to buy some tea and spices grown locally. The prices for cardamom and masala were quite a bit less than what they were elsewhere. Ayurvedic medicines were also a popular purchase for the town’s tourists. While two teachers went to purchase a Communist flag, another teacher and I enjoyed a cup of tea at a small Christian-owned shop located in the market area. Just before we were about to leave, the lights dimmed and then the power went out in the entire market area. Calmly the store clerk lit the handy candle, anticipating the generator in front of the store to be started any moment. Soon the market was filled with the sound of generator engines and fumes of fuel.
For our evening meal, we ate at another restaurant popular with the locals. Our food was served on a banana leaf. Curiously, our waiter had coral-colored nail polish on his fingers – a bizarre sight.

Following an early breakfast of toast, jam, butter and oranges, we thanked our hotel hosts and walked down to the bus station. Our bags were getting heavier and bulkier. Thankfully this bus driver wasn’t as heavy on the horn on the same twisty narrow roads. Not wanting to slide into our seat companions at every turn, holding onto the bar on top of the seat in front of us became a habit. In the early morning light we could see kids walking to school, churches perched on top of hills, beautiful homes, and tall poinsettias lining the road. Waterfalls, both large and small were spotted as we passed by. After a short while, passengers began shedding their layered clothing, the temperatures quickly rising. By the time we arrived in Cochin 4 ½ hours later, humid heat was once again upon us.

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Eravikulam National Park

During the afternoon we visited Eravikulam National Park, located on the border with Tamil Nadu. The highest peak (2,695 m – 8,842 ft) south of the Himalayas is located here. This park was established during the 1970’s with the aim of conserving the endangered Nilgiri tahr, a rare breed of mountain goat. In fact, the park harbors the largest surviving population of this agile goat.

Walking along the paved path, we spotted quite a number of the tahrs, some quite close. With dense clouds obscuring the view, it was sometimes difficult to spot the wildlife. In areas with lighter fog, one could see the dense shoals – tropical montane forests unique to the Western Ghats. Small waterfalls and streams could be spotted along the path. Recalling the photos we saw of the blue kurunji flowers that transform this landscape into a sea of blue, I tried to imagine how even more stunning the view would be. Sadly, the kurunji flowers bloom only once every twelve years, the last time in 2006.

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Munnar Tour

The following morning, the tranquil sight of mist-shrouded hills greeted the early riser. Singing birds performed a duet with gentle radio. The sun punctuated the foggy morning, casting its warming rays across the otherwise cool temperature. From our hotel balcony we could see the green tea plantations, large bushes of flowers, and people beginning their daily chores. Such a contrast to the hot, crowded, and loud Chennai that we left just days earlier!

(our only) Organized Tour
Taking our only organized tour of the trip, we boarded the government van. While some of the stops were worth a photo or two, the sheer number of souvenir stalls with tacky stuff was enough to spoil the scene. For those with more spending money and time, one could also take a speedboat, paddle boat, ride an elephant, or try one’s hand at horseback riding. Trout Lagoon was rather pretty though, with its tall eucalyptus trees rustling in the breeze and high hills reflected in the still waters. Litter, as noted elsewhere in Kerala, was rather uncommon.

As we were driving along, we noticed several vehicles stopped along the side of the road. Down the steep hill in the clearing were three elephants, including a baby. Out in the wild, seeing these large animals was a treat.

Tea Plantations
While driving through one of the many tea plantations dominating the Munnar landscape, we spotted some workers in the field. A large green sack was draped around the women’s heads. Around their body was a vinyl-looking sheet, probably to help protect against sharp branches. Gathering and cutting was done by hand. Considering the large area covered by the estates (about 65,000 acres), it amazed me just thinking how these manicured-looking landscapes were accomplished by human hands. Our driver’s wife was one of 37,000 tea workers, working long hours and earning a salary of around 100 rupees ($2.11) a day. Modest housing is provided, but as the schools are inadequate, the driver had his children stay with relatives in Chennai for schooling. Sadly, the monopoly company TATA (which also has its hands into so many aspects of the Indian economy) owned most of the estates.

Going still further up the winding hills, the van stopped at one of the higher peaks, located near the state border with Tamil Nadu. Thick mist shrouded the hills, creating an even more serene atmosphere. The bushes, trimmed to a height of 1 – 1.5 meters, appeared to flow as they hugged the undulating landscape, its ripples being the spaces between the plants. A truly breathtaking, spiritual sight.

For more information about the tea plantations in Munnar, visit http://www.hotelsmunnar.com/tea_estates.htm

See my Munnar photos on Flickr.

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Bus Ride to Munnar

With no train going into Munnar, the only form of cheap public transportation was the bus. Arriving in Kottyam a few hours later, we took advantage of the layover time to eat and get a few provisions. Wanting to ensure we had a seat on the bus, we arrived plenty early back at the bus station but had to wait until the appointed time anyway. Thankfully we all got a seat, something we appreciated especially with the winding roads and long journey.

In typical Indian fashion, the bus went rather fast, liberally honking its loud horn at pedestrians and vehicles alike to pull over and make way. Patience was not a virtue. Even when a vehicle was spotted coming in the opposite lane, the driver still pulled out to pass, barely making it into the correct lane before colliding. I was amazed how the driver could share the narrow roads with logging trucks and other buses. Even in villages where there was a “no honking zone,” the driver chose to ignore the signs and continued blaring the horn.

Following a rather lengthy break to gas up the bus, the elevation suddenly increased and roads became very twisty and curvy. On top of the hills one could see churches. Near one church was a funeral procession. Other hills bore the marks of terraced farming. Along the way we also saw rubber tree tapping, an elephant, and a few waterfalls of varying sizes. Albeit later than expected, we finally arrived in the town of Munnar and its cool night air.

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Kettuvallam Houseboat Ride

Serenaded by the auto rickshaw driver, we arrived at the spot where we would start our houseboat ride aboard a kettuvallam. To get to our boat, we passed through a slightly bigger one that was receiving its annual maintenance. With the old thatched roof covering removed in some spots, one could see the framework created out of bamboo and tied together with coir coconut fiber ropes. Our boat had two bedrooms (each with a small bathroom), a back kitchenette area, and a sizeable covered balcony in front. It was here that we spent most of our time.

Once used to ship rice, spices, and other goods in the region, these beautiful boats later became living quarters for royalty. Riding the modernized kettuvallams down the backwaters is now at the top of the list for tourists coming to experience Kerala. Although the basic design is similar with curved roof/sides dark Anjili wood for the main boat portion, variations did exist in look and amenities. Some had a “double-decker” with an upper balcony. Others went beyond the average 67 feet (20.4 meter) length, accommodating an extra bedroom. For those demanding luxury, boats with air conditioners and satellite TV could be rented.

After pushing off with a long bamboo pole, we were now sailing smoothly through the rather still waters, with the motor barely discernable. Other kettuvallams dotted the waters, their relaxed passengers waving or busy recording the experience with a camera. Also sharing the water were boats of various sizes, including some canoes hitching a ride behind kettuvallams. Throughout our boat trip we spotted locals wearing umbrella hats, which provided shelter from the sun and also the rain.

We had entered an environment dominated by water and lush groves of coconut palm trees. Through breaks in the groves we could see large rice paddies. In the fields people could be seen hunched over, sickles in hand. In one field I saw a combine at work. The smell of freshly cut rice grasses reminded me of cut hay on our farm. People expertly walked along the boundaries of the paddy fields and river banks – from where they came or where they were going was hard to tell, as there often weren’t any buildings in sight. Small villages dotted the river edge.

Just as I had on my magical boat trip up to Timbuktu, meals were eaten on board. Fish, was a common element, just as it had been on the Niger River. Coconut was used in many dishes, including a cabbage salad, the main dish sauces, and dish of green beans. In the afternoon a small boat pulled up to our kettuvallam. Our boat’s cook selected a giant prawn for each of us, a wonderful filling treat for supper. Somehow we managed to find room for tasty chicken curry.
In between chatting, reading, and eating, some of us decided to test out the waters. The waters were refreshing, and being able to swim in our bathing suits without being stared at was welcomed. While jumping into the cool water was easy, it took a bit more strength and effort to get back on board.

For the evening, we docked at a village in the region of Kuttenad. While two teachers got an oily Ayurvedic massage, another teacher and I opted to take advantage of the late afternoon light and walk through the village. Children in school uniforms soon gathered around us, some asking for pens, chocolate, or money. (In Mali the villagers also asked for pens “bics”, candy “bon bons”, or medicine).

As the sun began to set, we got into a canoe piloted by an old man. A teacher was asked to paddle at the other end. From the vantage point in our canoe, we were able to glimpse into the homes of people lining the canal edges. Through the open doors we could see the single ceremonial brass candle lit, with the sounds of chanting gently accompanying the sounds of nature. In other homes, the flickering illumination of a TV dominated the room. Rather fancy homes were scattered in between simpler ones. Litter was rare.

Nearly finished with our canoe trip, our boatsman pulled up to a “pub” to get some toddy, the local alcoholic beverage made from coconut palm sap. A teacher even had to provide a plastic water bottle for the milky white-colored drink. Back on our houseboat for the night, we tried a very small amount of the toddy, which had now caused the bottle to expand to alarming dimensions. Just putting the glass up to my nose was enough to turn me off. I did take one sip just to humor the purchasers; it was more than enough, as the taste was disgusting. Dumping the rest of our glass’ contents into the river, we offered the bottle to our boat crew. Docked for the night, we figured they could have a drink – that is, if they could handle the assault on the olfactory and taste senses.

The now quiet village and pleasant temperatures provided a great sleep environment. The next morning was just as tranquil. A light fog enveloped the village and its waters. Kettuvallams lined the river edge. In the small cement niches of the river banks in front of homes people were taking a bath, washing their hair, or brushing their teeth. These rituals were performed fastidiously.

Reluctant to leave our serene village but eager to continue our journey to Munnar, our houseboat set off for Aleppy.

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Aleppy

Just a block away was our hotel, part of the backwaters tour package. Our rooms were at the top level, its interior walls created from woven palm fronds. Although pretty, those thin walls left little in the way of privacy.

On our way to the beach, we walked next to the city canal. Known as the “Venice of the East”, the waters in this Kerala town were teaming with canoes and small boats, escorting tourists and locals alike to other parts of the town. Once at the beach, we were treated to a joyful sight – kites flying, kids (of all ages) giggling as they splashed water on each other, beach vendors, and sand creations including a curvy woman sculpture. Family members held hands as they walked along the clean sands. Others enjoyed the relatively warm waters, with the women entering the waters in their saris. Was this air of delight a common one, or was it made extra special due to the Diwali holiday? After the sun finally disappeared beyond the pink-cast sea, we headed over to the nearby restaurant – another Indian Coffee House. Finishing our meal over fluorescent flashlight (power cut), we returned back to the hotel, tired after the long day.

Despite our fatigue, none of us slept well. Firecrackers pierced the night air in celebration of Diwali. Then the rain came as a downpour, its sound exaggerated by the tin roof. In the pre-dawn hours more firecrackers could be heard, along with the early call to prayer. Just as it became light, the crows began to do a tap dance on the tin roof, ending any chance to sleep. At least the day would be a relaxing one on the houseboat.

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Kollam

Shoving Match
Emerging from our air-conditioned train car, we now were in Kollam, a port town 71 km north of Trivandrum. Piling out of the 25-cent ride rickshaw, we were at the banks of the water, where backwaters tours could be arranged. After some negotiations in price and package, the designated taxi driver arrived to take us to the start of our canoe portion of the trip. Immediately the driver came up to the tour operator and pushed the then-stunned man. One of my colleagues came to the aid of the tour operator, breaking up the provocation through her gestures and forceful voice. After completing a written police statement, two auto rickshaws took us instead.

Canoe Ride in Ashtumudi Lake
The rather large canoe hewn out of thick dark wood then pushed off into the waters of the Ashtumudi Lake. Sharing the waters were some other canoes and the large Kerala houseboats known as kettuvallams. Soon we were in the more secluded canals and river waterways around Munroe Island. Coconut palm trees cast strong reflections on the still brown waters. Flowering bushes dotted the river edge, shored up with a protective stone barrier. Along the meandering paths walked young women clad in brightly colored saris and salwars, chatting merrily as they gestured with one hand and carried an umbrella in the other. Young children emerged out of their small homes, waving to us with unrestrained cheeriness. The soothing sound of Kerala music wafted through the air. Goats munched on the abundant green grass. Chickens clucked as they ran across the yard. Cormorants dried their spread wings, sitting on a branch. Occasionally we spotted a Kingfisher bird, perching in a tree or on electrical wire. Kite birds circled above.

Village Walk
A few times we got out of the canoe to meet some of the villagers. Here we observed a demonstration in which the fibers of the coconut were transformed into strands of rope, doubled and then twisted. Most of this rope would be exported to the US. At another residence we saw an assortment of herbs and plants used for medicine and food. Scattered about the yard were plants such as peppermint, tumeric, little hot peppers, ginger, black pepper, a special plant for the diabetic wife, beetle nut tree, jack fruit, pineapple, and tapioca plants. Watching the elder man of the house deftly hack open a coconut for us to drink, one teacher asked if people sometimes cut off a finger. In a convincing tone of voice, our boatsman replied “Well of course. Even this man has a finger missing!” Looking carefully, we realized that our boatman was once again exercising his sense of wit and humor.

Inquiring about the population of Munroe Island, our young boater told us that about 30% work in the Middle East. This probably helped supplement the sustenance farming, dominated by rice. Considering the 99% literacy rate of Kerala, I hope that those workers are able to utilize their education. Scattered throughout the island were Hindu temples, many of which employed the distinctive Kerala architecture including the red tiled steep sloping roof, triangular windows and entryway mantles. According to our guide, 98% of the islanders are Hindu, with only one large family being Christian.

Through the Canals
Going deeper into the canals we came across a pond-like area full of lily pads. Our guide scooped up one waterlily and deftly transformed it into a necklace with alternating color “beads.” In some areas we had to duck way down to avoid hitting the narrow bridges. Boating past a net-covered fish farm we noticed a dog peering out of a crude open-air doghouse.

Back onto the main waters we spotted the destructive contributions of man. Plastic bottles floated in the water. A floating pool of gas trailed a houseboat.

Contrasting this was the emerging sunset, casting a pink hue over sky and water. Still hearing the radio of the female singer, the scene was idyllic as our boatman poled his way along the final stretch.

Kollam Town and Beach
By the time we arrived in Kollam, it was dark. Dropping off our luggage at the hotel, we walked into the section of own near our hotel. Enjoying a very tasty meal of spicy chicken, we also sampled pastry at a very clean bakery prominently displaying its Christian faith.

Having some time before catching the ferry the following morning, we went to the beach just across the road from the hotel. All along the beach men could be seen squatting, using the sand as a litter box. We knew we would have to watch our step as we proceeded to the water.

Scattered throughout the beach were single flip-flops and sandals, reminding me of the lone socks that emerge from the washing machine/dryer. The strong riptide and waves kept crashing in, preventing us from getting to the calmer area beyond. Considering the dubious cleanliness of the sea, perhaps it was just as well.

See photos of the backwaters around Kollam

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Trivandrum

Our journey started in the capital city of Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram. Despite an hour flight delay, the short hour ride still left quite a bit of the day for sightseeing. By the time my auto rickshaw arrived at the hotel (the only one we reserved during the trip), the first rain shower had finished. The cheap $4.50 rooms certainly were nothing to brag about, but for one night we could manage. Setting down my weekender bag, I headed through the narrow alleyway and onto the main Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple
My first destination was the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, from which the town has been renamed. Located within a fort encircling the old town, this is the only temple in Kerala with a seven-storied gopura temple tower, the dominant style in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Unlike the bold brilliant colors of the Tamil Nadu Hindu temples, this one seemed to echo Kerala’s more subdued nature – less decorative and with its original cream-colored stone exposed. The temple was closed to non-Hindus, so I admired the outer mythological-sculpted columns and moved onward. Curious to see what kind of shops and sights surrounded the large central tank of water, I walked around the circumference of the old town.

The Staring Begins
Another downpour and hungry stomach made me head into the distinctive Indian Coffee House. Popular with the locals, most of the booths in this spiraling brick structure were occupied. Through the narrow window opening I could peek at the goings-on below and enjoy the refreshing breeze. The girls in the booth just below me alternated between staring and giggling shyly, my red hair and light skin providing a conversation piece.

Walk through MG Road
Satiated with my first of many inexpensive meals, I headed down the spiraling ramp and proceeded to make my way north on the MG Road. Lining the busy road were modern shops, banks, colonial architecture, a college, several churches, and a mosque. Enjoying the mixture of architecture, I paused to take photos of several buildings; a mixture of red brick, pointed entryways, slightly pointed arches, relief animal decorative carvings and a curving roof of a Christian steeple. On flimsy-looking wooden scaffolding I spotted an old man, working on the steeple without any safety protection.

Napier Museum
Finally I reached my northern destination – the Napier Museum. Set in a lush park with labeled trees and flowers, it seemed that many other people were enjoying this setting, some coming to visit the museums, others for the zoo, and still others just for the grounds. A red and black brick Indo-Sacracenic structure completed in 1880, the Napier Museum this splendid building is deservedly a landmark in the city. The sloping triangular rooflines were echoed in its minarets, entryway, windows, and more. The splendid red, black and white geographic designs covered the entire façade, warmed with the afternoon light and contrasted against the darkening sky. The warm afternoon light reflected against the colored decorative glass of the Bow windows. Wood decorative elements were contained throughout, a contrast with the dominant cement building material in Chennai. Inside was a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze Hindu idols, a huge temple chariot, and ivory carvings. Unfortunately photography was not allowed inside, so I had to be satisfied with simply enjoying the colorfully painted expansive ceilings with my eyes.

Keeping just ahead of the rain, I arrived back at the hotel room and waited for my colleagues to arrive a short time later. After a light dinner and walking/shopping along the main road, we went back to the hotel to make plans for the next days, “helped” by the advice of well-meaning, but drunk hotel manager and friends.

My Trivandrum Flickr photos

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Kerala Excursions

Last week three teachers and I traveled to the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. One of two communist states in India, this coastal state boasts of immense and diverse beauty, friendly inhabitants, and unique architecture. In fact, its nickname is “God’s Country” for its spectacular, varied beauty. All-in-all, I would have to describe Kerala as “softer.” People are more laid-back and gentle, the pace (and traffic) less frenzied, less ostentatious religious buildings, and tasty food that is not as spicy/hot as that in Tamil Nadu. During this week, we traveled throughout southern portion of the state, relying on public transportation (buses, train, ferry), eating at cafés frequented by locals, and staying at inexpensive hotels. Countless numbers of times we were assisted by the kindness of locals who gave us suggestions regarding logistics, ensured we got on the correct bus, and helped us pass the time on the long bus rides.

See some of my photos of Kerala on Flickr

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