Today is Republic Day in India All the kids have ceremonies held at their school for the occasion. Following yet another great breakfast we reluctantly left Lloyd behind to nurse his swollen knee while we took the bus into Munnar town. He looked quite happy with his book, iPad and newspaper as he sat on the porch, even if he was obviously in pain. The town was India at its best, with the cacophony of sounds, abundance of overpowering smells and chaotic traffic. It was very crowded, this being a holiday. The marketplace was overflowing with fresh produce, some unknown to Lynanne and Danielle, though I recognized some of them such as drumsticks and chickoos. We were on our way to the Tea Museum which was further away than we had expected. Everyone we asked along the way pointed us in the same direction. Regardless of how long we had walked it seemed as if it was always a kilometer away. Several people along the way wanted their picture taken, with instructions as to how to send them a copy by snail mail.
The Tea Museum was very interesting. Our visit started with a movie describing the history of the tea plantation from its inception in the 1800s.Their vision was quite progressive, with compounds for the workers complete with creches for the children since the women could work for the company, which made it possible to have two earners in the family. Schools and hospitals were also provided. Over time ownership passed to the Tata company, particularly when India achieved its independence, it was mandated by the government that at least 60% of the company had to be owned by Indian nationals. Later on, the whole company was sold to its employees and its name changed from the Tata Tea Company to the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company Private Limited, or KDHP Company. Following the film, we wandered through the plant, learning how the leaves were processed into the tea we know and love. The whole experience was most interesting.
On our way out in the heat of the mid afternoon, we passed an elegant hotel which was a good place to stop for lunch consisting of stuffed paratha (gobi and aloo). We walked back through town with the intention of changing some USDs to Rupees, but a would-be money changer wearing a brown balaclava quickly made us change our minds and head for home.
Back at our home stay we were greeted by poor Lloyd who had rested all day and enjoyed a delightful lunch as he nursed his knee. Maria and Jork had already returned from their hike but were in their room. When they emerged for dinner, we saw that they were lobsterized by the sun into a bright red. Pictures to follow. They had been victimized by fake Indian sunscreen.
That's about it for our day.
The Tea Museum was very interesting. Our visit started with a movie describing the history of the tea plantation from its inception in the 1800s.Their vision was quite progressive, with compounds for the workers complete with creches for the children since the women could work for the company, which made it possible to have two earners in the family. Schools and hospitals were also provided. Over time ownership passed to the Tata company, particularly when India achieved its independence, it was mandated by the government that at least 60% of the company had to be owned by Indian nationals. Later on, the whole company was sold to its employees and its name changed from the Tata Tea Company to the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company Private Limited, or KDHP Company. Following the film, we wandered through the plant, learning how the leaves were processed into the tea we know and love. The whole experience was most interesting.
On our way out in the heat of the mid afternoon, we passed an elegant hotel which was a good place to stop for lunch consisting of stuffed paratha (gobi and aloo). We walked back through town with the intention of changing some USDs to Rupees, but a would-be money changer wearing a brown balaclava quickly made us change our minds and head for home.
Back at our home stay we were greeted by poor Lloyd who had rested all day and enjoyed a delightful lunch as he nursed his knee. Maria and Jork had already returned from their hike but were in their room. When they emerged for dinner, we saw that they were lobsterized by the sun into a bright red. Pictures to follow. They had been victimized by fake Indian sunscreen.
That's about it for our day.
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