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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