WOW! It is 5 AM and the loud speakers outside, a few feet from our window have come on. We both bolted up, heart pounding and then I burst out laughing almost as loud as the music outside. At the same time as the Hindu music, came the Muslim call to prayer. ONLY IN INDIA! Needless to say, no point trying to sleep after this. We got ready for our cruise on the backwaters and went down to breakfast with Matthew and his mother Mary. Our captain showed up precisely at 8 AM as planned and we walked to the jetty where we boarded our boat.
The boat was fairly wide, covered at the top and open all around. It was outfitted with comfortable armchairs and loungers. The day was cloudy and cool and promised to be a very pleasant experience. We traveled through wide and narrow canals, passing innumerable multi-bedroom houseboats all returning from their overnight trips. Hopefully, in time, Bernie will post pictures. The canals provided a snapshot of daily rural life in Allapuzha. There was the usual washing of clothes and of pots and pans, the bathing of children, the cooking of meals, the children waiting for their school boat, all dressed in their different uniforms. The whole experience was wonderful, so much so, that we are repeating it tomorrow, only earlier. At one point, our captain stopped at a canal side restaurant where Bernie and Lloyd were brave enough to sample the local fare served on a banana leaf, probably washed in the river. Lynanne and I abstained and had bananas. On our way out, a friendly eagle perched on our shoulder and posed for pictures.
On our return, we sat on the patio bombarded by the loud music. There were several electricity interruptions (very common in India) and each provided a brief respite from the din throughout the afternoon. It was the first time during this trip that we welcomed these power outages
After the boys had their mandatory King Fisher beer, we all walked to the local Acadia hotel for an Indian Buffet. On our return, this being the last evening of the festivities, our little dirt road was lined with oil lamps to welcome the procession of worshippers. There were people of all ages, decked out in their finery and all the little girls looked really cute. There was drumming, singing, dancing and fireworks. We were invited to join everyone in the temple and partake in the festivities. We had a great time and are all happy for the experience. It was worth the price of the noise. Tomorrow morning at 5 AM we should only hear the Muslim call to prayer.
Meet you again on our next post..
The boat was fairly wide, covered at the top and open all around. It was outfitted with comfortable armchairs and loungers. The day was cloudy and cool and promised to be a very pleasant experience. We traveled through wide and narrow canals, passing innumerable multi-bedroom houseboats all returning from their overnight trips. Hopefully, in time, Bernie will post pictures. The canals provided a snapshot of daily rural life in Allapuzha. There was the usual washing of clothes and of pots and pans, the bathing of children, the cooking of meals, the children waiting for their school boat, all dressed in their different uniforms. The whole experience was wonderful, so much so, that we are repeating it tomorrow, only earlier. At one point, our captain stopped at a canal side restaurant where Bernie and Lloyd were brave enough to sample the local fare served on a banana leaf, probably washed in the river. Lynanne and I abstained and had bananas. On our way out, a friendly eagle perched on our shoulder and posed for pictures.
On our return, we sat on the patio bombarded by the loud music. There were several electricity interruptions (very common in India) and each provided a brief respite from the din throughout the afternoon. It was the first time during this trip that we welcomed these power outages
After the boys had their mandatory King Fisher beer, we all walked to the local Acadia hotel for an Indian Buffet. On our return, this being the last evening of the festivities, our little dirt road was lined with oil lamps to welcome the procession of worshippers. There were people of all ages, decked out in their finery and all the little girls looked really cute. There was drumming, singing, dancing and fireworks. We were invited to join everyone in the temple and partake in the festivities. We had a great time and are all happy for the experience. It was worth the price of the noise. Tomorrow morning at 5 AM we should only hear the Muslim call to prayer.
Meet you again on our next post..
Hi Sonou and Danielle,
ReplyDeleteHave been following your blog all along. No doubt you are having a wonderful time out there. There is nothing like experiencing Indian life with the locals as opposed to observing them like a tourist. Looks like you are really experiencing the Indian hospitality everywhere you go.
Suresh
Hi S&S,
ReplyDeleteYes, the people of Kerala are truly a friendly and hospitable people. All it takes is a 'hello' to elicit a warm smile. The kids are also ever ready to try out their English, and ask for their picture to be taken.
Sonou