27 January 2012

What can I say, it is another beautiful morning in Munnar.  We are up bright and early and will only be having tea and fruit before leaving for our hike into the valley..  Lloyd is doing much better today but will still rest his knee while being spoiled rotten by Jeeva..  Anil has offered to drive us to the beginning of the trail and Lloyd decided to come along for the ride.  The walk itself meanders through rows of tea bushes covering the hillside.  The scenery was too beautiful for words.  It zigzagged down the hillside through two villages where the local children came out to greet us and have their picture taken.    For some unknown reason, all the children we met during our trip ask for pens rarely money.  As the path was right up against the hillside, we alternated through shady and sunny sections which made it a very pleasant descent. We finally reached the waterfall where we stopped in a small green and red tea shack where we had a cup of sweet tea. The owner and her nephew were very happy to serve us, and offer us a large bag of cardomom for 200 Rupees. Danielle was happy to buy it, and I'm sure the lady was also happy. After taking their picture, we started our ascent to the road where we were to get the bus to take us back home.  Surprisingly the climb was quite easy, and it wasn't long before we were at the bus-stop.  As we got off the bus, we met Maria and Jorg with their gigantic backpacks.  Little Maria looked like a turtle carrying a much too large shell.  We were all so happy to see each other one last time. Lloyd was sitting on the porch in front of a nice food tray and warm cup of tea.  He did not seem the worst for wear.

After a nice shower and a good meal, we played Carom, a game Bernie has talked about for many years.  He grew up playing it and we all had a good time.   The fact that Bernie knew this game, did not result for a victory for his team.  I guess 40 years without practice makes one a bit rusty.

We are all so sad that this is our last night here.  None of us want to leave.  Jeeva and Anil have been incredible hosts and we know we will miss them.  But the trip must go on.