Once again we are up at the crack of dawn with the noise of the Dobi Wallas and the temple music which seems quite lively today. The plan today is to go for a nature walk around the dam and reservoir on the Periyar River.
We left before breakfast with our three hosts, in 2 rickshaws and our first stop was at a solid but wobbly suspension bridge which made some of us sort of uncomfortable. Since we could see the water below through the footpath, we able to see all the ladies doing their laundry and engaging in their daily ablutions.
Our second stop was at the reservoir. The walk there was very picturesque going through a little village complete with chicks, chickens and roosters, goats and papaya trees. The villagers were doing their chores but happy to welcome us with warm smiles. During the walk, we saw beautiful birds but none as beautiful as the Kingfisher. It is absolutely magnificent with an iridescent blue back, brown plumage at the side and full white belly. One never gets tired of watching it and taking its picture if one can. There was also a few kinds of herons there, happy to parade for us.
Coming back, the gate at that end of the reservoir was locked so we had to go around through a field and climb over and back down a stone wall with the help of Bernie and Pastor Binou. We all had a good laugh knowing that poor Lucy was not exactly in her element. Don't get me wrong, with my bad knee, I needed as much help as she did. By then, Molly who had stayed behind was waiting for us close by. We managed to all get back to the rickshaws uninjured and come back home for a nice breakfast consisting of a sort of curried stew, idlies, toast and fruit. After breakfast we took a few pictures as Lucy was to leave later in the morning. We had been planning to do some shopping so after Lucy left, we went into town and shopped for a couple of hours. Surprisingly, there is a mall in this town, something I had never seen in India. Of course, it has been 26 years since my last visit. None of the other towns we have visited were as big as this one. Kochi might have been but we stayed in Fort Kochi and never made it to the congested downtown area. I forgot to mention that Lucy was returning home today and she came out fully dolled up in a beautiful sari because she was going to a church service on her way home. We all crowded up on the patio for pictures.
Upon our return, lunch was awaiting and once again, we all sat down together to enjoy another South Indian meal. A few hours later, Bibi, our young chef showed up with a platter of fried egg sandwiches and tea. Lynanne and I would have no part in this snack but, needless to say, Lloyd and Bernie savoured every bite.
After an afternoon relaxing and catching up on emails and blog, we engaged in interesting conversation with Pastor Binou and Molly. Before we knew it, dinner showed up. We ate with less gusto and went to bed knowing that we would have to leave the next morning.
We left before breakfast with our three hosts, in 2 rickshaws and our first stop was at a solid but wobbly suspension bridge which made some of us sort of uncomfortable. Since we could see the water below through the footpath, we able to see all the ladies doing their laundry and engaging in their daily ablutions.
Our second stop was at the reservoir. The walk there was very picturesque going through a little village complete with chicks, chickens and roosters, goats and papaya trees. The villagers were doing their chores but happy to welcome us with warm smiles. During the walk, we saw beautiful birds but none as beautiful as the Kingfisher. It is absolutely magnificent with an iridescent blue back, brown plumage at the side and full white belly. One never gets tired of watching it and taking its picture if one can. There was also a few kinds of herons there, happy to parade for us.
Coming back, the gate at that end of the reservoir was locked so we had to go around through a field and climb over and back down a stone wall with the help of Bernie and Pastor Binou. We all had a good laugh knowing that poor Lucy was not exactly in her element. Don't get me wrong, with my bad knee, I needed as much help as she did. By then, Molly who had stayed behind was waiting for us close by. We managed to all get back to the rickshaws uninjured and come back home for a nice breakfast consisting of a sort of curried stew, idlies, toast and fruit. After breakfast we took a few pictures as Lucy was to leave later in the morning. We had been planning to do some shopping so after Lucy left, we went into town and shopped for a couple of hours. Surprisingly, there is a mall in this town, something I had never seen in India. Of course, it has been 26 years since my last visit. None of the other towns we have visited were as big as this one. Kochi might have been but we stayed in Fort Kochi and never made it to the congested downtown area. I forgot to mention that Lucy was returning home today and she came out fully dolled up in a beautiful sari because she was going to a church service on her way home. We all crowded up on the patio for pictures.
Upon our return, lunch was awaiting and once again, we all sat down together to enjoy another South Indian meal. A few hours later, Bibi, our young chef showed up with a platter of fried egg sandwiches and tea. Lynanne and I would have no part in this snack but, needless to say, Lloyd and Bernie savoured every bite.
After an afternoon relaxing and catching up on emails and blog, we engaged in interesting conversation with Pastor Binou and Molly. Before we knew it, dinner showed up. We ate with less gusto and went to bed knowing that we would have to leave the next morning.
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