Alas, it has come time to bid farewell to India. It remains one of our favorite places to travel. For our final week, we headed to the southern state of Kerala, renown for its beaches, vegetarian food, and tropical climate.
As in so many other places, domestic air travel has become remarkably cheap. We opted for the short, inexpensive, and easy flight from Mumbai to Cochin.
Leah and I had a chance to get on bicycles for the first time since leaving Hanover.
I found time to get a 70 rupee haircut (about $1.20).
The marquis attraction of Kerala, however, is cruising the coastal channels in a houseboat. These boats are literally houses plopped on top of old hulls, complete with air-conditioned bedrooms, bathrooms, and a private chef for each boat. We cruised along, relaxing and eating great food.
As always in India, it was fun just to watch the world go by.
For the return trip to Mumbai, I opted for the more adventurous 24-hour overnight train. When I booked it, the guy selling tickets said, "You know it's the same price to fly." Yes, but only a long train trip provides the real Indian experience!
I felt less excited about my decision when Sophie projectile vomited from the top berth in the middle of the night. I'll save the rest of that story for the book.
For now, we owe ENORMOUS thanks to Sumer and Sonali Shankardass, who have been extraordinarily gracious hosts during our time in Mumbai. This place feels like home--better than home, actually, because at home there is not a cook to bring a steady stream of delicious food out of the kitchen. Thank you! We shall return (as they have now learned repeatedly).
As in so many other places, domestic air travel has become remarkably cheap. We opted for the short, inexpensive, and easy flight from Mumbai to Cochin.
Leah and I had a chance to get on bicycles for the first time since leaving Hanover.
I found time to get a 70 rupee haircut (about $1.20).
The marquis attraction of Kerala, however, is cruising the coastal channels in a houseboat. These boats are literally houses plopped on top of old hulls, complete with air-conditioned bedrooms, bathrooms, and a private chef for each boat. We cruised along, relaxing and eating great food.
As always in India, it was fun just to watch the world go by.
For the return trip to Mumbai, I opted for the more adventurous 24-hour overnight train. When I booked it, the guy selling tickets said, "You know it's the same price to fly." Yes, but only a long train trip provides the real Indian experience!
I felt less excited about my decision when Sophie projectile vomited from the top berth in the middle of the night. I'll save the rest of that story for the book.
For now, we owe ENORMOUS thanks to Sumer and Sonali Shankardass, who have been extraordinarily gracious hosts during our time in Mumbai. This place feels like home--better than home, actually, because at home there is not a cook to bring a steady stream of delicious food out of the kitchen. Thank you! We shall return (as they have now learned repeatedly).
a book--wow! i can't wait.
ReplyDeletei pedaled by your house today but nobody home, maybe they are still in europe...