Day 6 - wandering Kochi and meeting the group

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Had a great sleep last night and got up at 9.30am today to catch breakfast which was nice. Then got showered, ready, and moved to the standard room for tonight and tomorrow. Room just as nice really, slightly smaller and has two single beds rather than two doubles. Bathroom just as nice which is good.

Really liking Kerala. Had a tourist map and hotel is on main road so had a wander along and looked in a couple of shops. It's really different to Delhi and great to be able to walk around and not get much hassle at all. Went past a lovely park, and across to the water for a stroll along the edge. Stopped for an ice lolly and to take pictures - couldn't eat the ice lolly quick enough and it got quite drippy! Chatted briefly to a guy in town for business who took a picture with us, and also to a girl in Kaylan Silks, which had about 5 floors with all different kinds of silks from all over India. The girls working there were keen to know where we were from and our names. Very much enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere.

Came back for 4pm as bought a sim card for my mobile and they wanted a copy of my visa. When I said I did not have it on me, rather than lose my business they said they'd come and colect it at the hotel at 4pm - although they never actually arrived until after 6pm. Got some washing done and used my washing line and pegs for the first time. There was no plug for the sink so had to block it up with a cup and keep the tap running.

Went to the first group meeting at 6.30pm and met our group leader, Chandra, and the rest of the group. There is a maximum of twelve but we seem to have got lucky and have a small group of 6. Along with us is an Australian couple (not the one we saw last night) Peter and Susan who seem nice and have done a lot of traveling before, an American girl called Natalie who seems very nice, and an Australian guy called John who seems very gueiet and hardly said a word all night. We went through the itinerary and had another nice meal in the hotel restaurant followed by a drink in the bar with Natalie, Peter and Susan.

General thoughts for today

• Tour group seems good, 6 is a nice number - John seems slightly odd and has quite picky eating style, Chandra seems fun
  
• 8.30am start tomorrow not good
  
• Kerala really is beautiful
  
• Ice cream/lollies melt faster than I can eat here
  
• Clothes take a long time to dry
  

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Photos

Kochi Canoes
By the water in Kochi

Kochi Boat
A boat sitting at the water front in Kochi

Sarah by the water
Sarah having a seat by the water in Kochi

Kaylan Silks
Floors and floors of silks for all occasions and friendly staff