South India 08


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Asia » India » Kerala » Kochi
August 6th 2008
Published: August 8th 2008
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Last India trip for a long time, but at least, will see something of the south, then Calcutta and Pushkar....
Spent these few days mainly in Fort Cochin - a small area ( no sign of the fort, which was destroyed long ago) with a port and tiny European buildings. Vasco da Gama was the first European here, then the Dutch. Its a very friendly, laid-back place, with only a little half-hearted hassle out on the streets.
The best thing is the 'tea' - this is a dry area, so if you want a beer, you ask for 'special tea' - foaming Kingfisher arrives, filled to the brim of a white teapot with flowery cups!


Additional photos below
Photos: 23, Displayed: 22


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Chinese fishing netsChinese fishing nets
Chinese fishing nets

Haven't seen these working yet...
Shop corner in Jew townShop corner in Jew town
Shop corner in Jew town

Fort Cochin is quite small and this area is called Jew Town. There is an ancient synagogue and the buildings probably havent changed much in the last 2/300 years, since the Dutch came. This area is now filled with dusty antique shops and upmarket gold and silver.
Triffid Trees!Triffid Trees!
Triffid Trees!

Huge huge trees everywhere, have no idea how old they are, but they are great for a sitting under and getting some shade. No sign of the monsoon - its really hot!
Truck and the triffidsTruck and the triffids
Truck and the triffids

Yes, and they are EATING the vehicles - just stay still for longer than a few minutes, and .....
Ancient door...Ancient door...
Ancient door...

I love old doors...this one is actually falling off its hinges, but looks so great!
Door 2Door 2
Door 2

Well, this one is still standing...and just as beautiful
Scent  and artScent  and art
Scent and art

Spent ages here, talking to the owner - I loved his glass bottles...
Tiny tea shop...Tiny tea shop...
Tiny tea shop...

...which never seems to open...
Ferry over to the islandsFerry over to the islands
Ferry over to the islands

Fort Cochin's ferries go back and forth to the surrounding islands all day long - brilliant boats - they look like giant tin cans!
Typical streetTypical street
Typical street

This is one of the oldest streets in FC - not too surprisingly, it looks v European
GoatsGoats
Goats

Goats fighting it out on the seafront this morning - didn't stay around to see who won...
Fishing netsFishing nets
Fishing nets

on the beautiful boats, waiting to go out. There was a long line of men waiting for work on these, just around the corner
Narrow passageNarrow passage
Narrow passage

hidden inside an antique shop...
New and oldNew and old
New and old

FC is littered with gorgeous buildings that are falling down and covered in moss...keep having fantasies re how nice it would be just to buy one and renovate it...
Vasco da Gama's graveVasco da Gama's grave
Vasco da Gama's grave

There are lots of ancient churches here. Vasc da Gama was buried here for a while and then was taken back to Lisbon.


8th August 2008

First page I know but..
Some great photographs and comments mate,you should collate them into an online gallery when you get back,keep up the good work.
8th August 2008

Sooo Cool...
These pics are great. I can see that the new camera was worth it. Cochin fishing nets are so cool i wish i was there..
10th August 2008

god of small things
I read this book when I was in India and your pictures reminded me of it. The book is set in Kerala I think. India looks beautiful. Enjoy.
13th August 2008

Great pics sis!
Got around to reading your blog sis, and these are great pics and love the narrative - its like being there with you! Hugs and kisses. Jan x

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