Kochi, Kerala

I arrived on the bus to Kochi at 6am and walked to the main jetty where I took a ferry to the island of Fort Cochin. Fort Cochin is around two hours north of Kottayam and is known for its Portuguese and Christian roots after discovery by Vasco de Gama. Kochi is made up of the main land and four islands which you travel to by ferry. Also interesting are the Chinese fishing nets that surround all of the islands. This is the only place outside of China where they are used.

See all of the Chinese fishing nets in the background

The nets are lowered into the water counter balanced by the rocks.

Fresh catch

After a bad hotel stay in Mangalore, I decided to treat myself to a really nice small (cottage like) hotel on the water for the steep price of 1000 Rupees (about $20). I was in heaven- beautiful room, so clean, soft towels, and an awesome shower (a real luxury in India). It was a hotel/ Ayurvedic spa, so the rooms were plush and were supplied with aromatic oils and soaps.

That afternoon I decided to rent a bicycle again and take it on the ferries around to the different islands. It was so fun!! I would be in line with all of the motor bikes, and when they open the gate it is like being in a motocross race start to get on the ferry. I rode all around the islands- it was another great adventure.

See my bicycle in line with all of the motorcycles and scooters

The madness is about to begin- rev up your engines!

Coming through! (Ringing my bicycle bell)

I returned to the hotel just before the rains came, and decided to treat myself to an Ayurvedic massage at the hotel spa. So glad I did, it was amazing- rejuvenating and relaxing at the same time. Afterward I had a really nice seafood dinner out on the dock and watched the sunset.

The dock where I ate dinner

Tomorrow I head to Kottayam, Kerala to meet George Sebastian, director of the Thanmaya media center. I am very excited to meet him and visit the backwaters of Kerala.