Backwaters and beyond

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Off on the train

Bright and early we headed to catch the train. For me, my first foray in to an Indian train station was a little intimidating, for Fiona it was a stroll in the park. For her, anything less than negotiating with some camel herder to take her through a war-torn desert is child's play. Our ticket to Kollam which is about 70 km north was about 40 cents but for that we did have to walk past the jacks on the train which will live long in my memory as one of the worst smells ever. I don't know how those dudes do 3 days on a train.....you'd want a strong stomach that's all I'll say.

The train only took an hour and our place was about 20 minutes drive from the station. We'd booked in to a place on the recommendation of a half mad English woman we'd met in Trivandrum. It was a fabulous setting and was probably stunning when opened but a little bit like the rest of the city was badly in need of a lick of paint. It was very very quiet too and when we asked for a second beer at dinner I thought we would be shot.

However all was redeemed when I found the Liverpool Chelsea game on the telly in the main room. Yest again, I provide ample food for the local mosquito population, but hey, share the wealth, that's what I say.
The next morning we arranged to go an a canoe trip around Monroe Island. This consisted of a 1 hr trip in a jeep to catch the canoe and then a really tranquil trip around these smaller and smaller channels through nice palm tree lined countryside. We saw a few snakes but the scariest things was the drive there and back. I am convinced, there are absolutely no rules on the road in India. Or maybe just a couple bigger is better and blowing the horn bestows absolute immunity upon every driver.


Anyway when we got back we needed a drink so off in to town with us and in to an interet cafe to search for a bar.


So we're off for a pint now......

More in a few days - and some photos too hopefully.

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