Blogs from Varkala, Kerala, India, Asia - page 19

Alia India is great! But I have to say the best part about it is the beautiful beaches! The beach we are at now is Varkala beach. We are staying at a hotel nearby and arrived there after a 4 hour train ride, packed with people. Sadly, It could have been better. Way better. What happened was, there were two window panes beside the seat I was sitting on, with a space in between them. But just as I was looking out, this mouse about the size of my palm, popped out of nowhere, running between the two windows, and I have to admit, it scared me half to death! It was scary then, but pretty funny now. Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of it, otherwise it would have been a good laugh later ... read more

Before I left, my dear friend Farhad kept trying to subtly hint about India not really being paradise. I was blathering on about grass huts the beach and peaceful oceans. I was starting to believe him after 6 weeks in the noise and pollution of Bangalore, but then I went to Kerala. More specifically I went to Varkala. I finished my exams on Friday and was on a plane Saturday afternoon to Thiruvanathapuram. A large group of us from school met up that night in the beach side town of Varkala with the intention of staying one night and then going to explore the rest of the state. It is Tuesday and I still haven't left! Dear God this place is wonderful! It is a backpacker gathering place for certain, but without all of the bad ... read more

We arrived at Poovar Island Resort on the 7th, and had booked in for 2 nights at this overly luxurious resort, after all this backpacking i think i more then deserved a treat! We were so excited about coming here, and we were not let down in the slightest! As our taxi dropped us off we were nicely suprised as we were left at a boat port and found out that we needed to catch a boat to bring us through the backwaters to our floating cottage! We reported at the resort reception and given arrival drinks of coconut water (vile) and then shown to our room. As the guy was walking us there i suddenly realised we weren't heading for the floating cottages, that we had been so looking forward to, but towards the land ... read more

Happy New Year!! I prepared some highlights in my journal, but am caught up in the present, so those will have to wait. Little things make me think of you guys; I'm really looking forward to being home again, but in only a week-and-a-half? I can't believe it. For the first time as a traveler, the first time in my life really, my race makes me stand out. (Helping me to better understand how incredibly pervasive race is... The truism: being away from home informs my understanding of my local culture.) While the reaction I get is almost wholly positive, it's still uncomfortable to be singled out by families who want us in their vacation photos, students who just want to practice their English, and drivers who beep a "hello/look my way" as they pass. Honking ... read more

to be updated...... read more