Kerala Backwaters

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So after plenty of offers we got ourselves a houseboat for the night. Allepey is the main place from which to explore the backwaters of Kerala and known as the Venice of the East we were pretty excited. Our houseboat, or 'rice barge' hand made from wood and bamboo had a covered seating area and bedroom with ensuite bathroom, and came with a driver, an engine man and a personal chef!

We set off from Allepey and spent the next 22 hours on the water. We drifted along canals and lakes, lined with palms trees, rice field and villages. It was so peaceful and we were able to watch the villagers going about their everyday work. Women washing clothes or pots in the river, the children washed themselves or played and waved to us whenever they caught sight of us, and the men punted along in their canoes overflowing with rice plants, bananas, coconuts. And when we stopped we were treated to the biggest feast of Keralan specialities by our chef, which was some of the best food we've tastest so far and definitely the most we've had. We moored up for the night in a small village, where we greeted by both stares and smiles and children trying to practice their English with us by asking the usual questions - "your name?" "You are from?" and "School Pen?".

We had such a good time, yet another completely different experience. There's just so much to see in this amazing country! The pictures speak for themselves.

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Comments

[Mum F]

Backwaters of Kerala
Hello Chris and Caroline, just come home and read your latest blog and it sounds fantastic. I knew you would have a lovely time there as all the reports I have read have said the same as you. The pictures are lovely and you've had yet another wonderful new experience. I have just arrived home from the North West. Had a nice time seeing everyone and being spoilt as usual at home. We have talked a lot about your adventures this week and everyone is very interested in what you are doing. Grandad and grandmum are off to Penang in 2 weeks so let us know your arrangements for Christmas before they go if you can. Weather hasn't been very good for half term which is typical, back to school on Monday -yah boo sucks!! Hope you are both keeping well and are looking forward to the next leg of your journey. Keep up the good work with your blog. Missing you terribly. All my love Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ps Liverpool beat Reading in a 4-3 thriller midweek in the Carling Cup and play Birmingham away in the next round. Still 14th in league though!!

[Dad F]

Hi Chris and Caroline. Fantastic pictures. Looks like you are eating a bit of rice!!! What great scenery along the river. You both look a little red. Have a great time on the river. Liverpool beat Ast Villa 3-1 Man Utd beat Bolton 4-0 Rooney scored 3 on his 21st birthday. Thanks for all the pics wish we were there with you. Dad F

[Grandmum Grandad]

Kerala
Hi Chris and Caroline you certainly are having a fantastic time and seeing so much of how the local people really live away from the tourist areas. I am sure all the little children playing along the river banks are just as happy without all the trappings of the west. The pictures give a good insight into all your adventures lucky kids, hopefully we will see you in AUSSIE love Grandmum and Grandad.xxx

[Tricia]

King Prawns
Well - Dad had just been up the shop to try and get some bigger prawns for the prawn creole - looks like he was looking in the wrong place. Chris that prawn looked ENORMOUS!!! Your pictures look great - what an experience going on that houseboat thing and the food looks lovely. You have already made the most amazing journey and seen so many fantastic things - well done to you both but Chris majorly for organising everything and looking at everything so that you can make the most of it - as you have done. All your photos have been so exciting to see and have brought your adventures alive to us over here. Before you went to India I was incredibly ignorant of all the different terrain and history and enormity of the country itself. I am sure I am still but at least I feel I know a bit and definitely want to travel there myself to see. Nick is due back in Sri Lanka today - Sunday - so no doubt you will be in contact. Tons of love to you both - Mum

[Vic]

Well, as your India adventure draws to a close with all it's wonderful memories, all you've both got to look forward to now is more sunshine and spectacular sights in Sri Lanka. Bet you must be feeling really cheesed off! I've printed off most of your reports and photos and made them up into a file for Gran and she avidly reads every word of them. I'm seeing her on Wednesday with the latest sheaf ready for stuffing into the ring binder. Don't forget to visit the Beach Wadiya Restaurant! And please do check to see how our adopted crabs and turtles are doing - and give them my best wishes!