Blogs from Alleppey, Kerala, India, Asia - page 5

How many people present the one fingered salute out the window as their plane departs the Indian tarmac, vowing never to set foot on those shores again? Then what percentage of that group end up doing the exact opposite, finding themselves retracing footsteps despite those earlier promises? On our previous foray some eight years ago, barely 10 minutes into the streets of Mumbai and I already had a dot on the forehead, floral garlands around the neck and a bunch of "holy" men blessing me whilst demanding a payoff. I was ignorant that spiritual salvation came at a financial cost. A half hour later and following relentless harassment, all I wanted to do was kill Indians. India was simultaneously the most annoying, frustrating, debilitating yet fascinating nation on this planet. Love it or hate it, back ... read more

So we are in Kerala, Alleppey and yesterday we took a Tuk Tuk out and about on the way to a beach I still cant remeber the name of! we stopped off at a temple and also a place where they make carpets out of the inside of coconuts!! the process is pretty amazing. On the way to the beach I got my first drive of a Tuk Tuk! yes mate, I am starting business yes, you want pick up? my driver mate says I am natural! not! :) The beach was beautiful and very peaceful, we even got to see wild dolphins swimming just off shore. The sea was really powerful and the undercurrent swepped you away if you weren't careful. We met some lads who were on a day off, they couldnt believe how ... read more

After stunning Munnar and its sea of tea plantation, time to go back to the Indian coast, white deserted beach and quiet backwaters are on the program before catching up with one of my closest friend Pauline at Amma Ashram. Far from the hustle and bustle of Indian cities, Kerala country side has this special something that makes you feel serene. No rush here or jumping from one tourist spot to another but a slow path travel where one takes the time to enjoy simple day to day life taking place all around, the colors & scents of the spices, the smile and waving of people met along the way & the every second peace. On the map, most of the small towns seem to be near from each other but somehow I had this feeling ... read more

Sorry about no blog recently but had a big problem with Travelblog. We are sending this from a public computer so no photos yet - we'll try later. We have found the Arabian Sea - miles long coconut fringed beaches - with only us in the sea. Bliss. Arrived at our final chosen destination yesterday - Marari Beach. Despite the disapointment of our plans being changed, the hotel management not only offered us upgraded pool rooms but also free dinner with wine. We feel amply compensated. Gala night tonight - the last sunset on a fabulous trip discovering India.... read more

ALLEPPEY IS A SMALL TOWN in the southern state of Kerala that is the entryway to the sprawling ‘backwaters’, or lagoons that run parallel to the Arabian Sea. Brilliant green moss and vines run rampant through the town and the air is heavy with the hum of those most evil of bugs, mosquitoes. Swamp filled canals crisscross through the town leading out to larger, navigable waterways. In an interesting contrast, the western side of Alleppey is lined not by marshes and swamps, but by a golden stretch of sand which slopes downward into the shining Arabian Sea. This strip of beach has a Coney Island type of feel with Indian families dressed in their glittering saris strolling up and down the beach and kids gobbling down cotton candy and ice cream.Vendors sell balloons, bright red and ... read more