Well Cochin, the last of the Indian excursions. Locate at the most Southern part of the Country with part of it on the Arabian Sea and the other on the Bay of BengalCan’t say we loved India all that much, mainly because of the filth, and the high temperatures. Was very interesting though and the people extra friendly.
Our coach took us to Mattacherry where we visited the Dutch Palace, this was originally built by the Portuguese in 1555. It is now a museum where there is a fine collection of elaborate murals. Unfortunately we had a very bad guide, who gave us no information unless asked by someone, not very helpful. Then onto a Synagogue, we don’t believe we have ever been in one before. This was built in 1568 and thought it very drab.
Went for a walk down Jew Street, or as the locals call it, Spice Street.
This of course was full of shops, all selling the same things, couple nicer than others and in one a lady weaving with silk thread. Were able to spend around 1/2 hour wandering and of course they all want you to come into their shops. Tony bought me a pretty white fan with embroidery on it. Came in handy too. Couple of days ago he bought me a silver bracelet, its very pretty and he spent all of $2, its very nice at the moment.
Then onward to Fort Cochin, where guess what we looked at? Yes, correct another church, will have to read the itinerary more carefully. Anyway was quite a nice one.
The Chinese fishing nets along the beach were very unique. They are the only ones of their kind in India. They are attached to the pier and the structure holding the net is made of a series of ropes and wood counter balanced with large rocks.
When they want to put the net in the water a man runs up one of the poles which lowers the net into the water. Seemed to get a few fish, but not many. Good to watch and the most interesting thing we saw all day. They had a few fish stalls there as well, with some big fish and lots very large prawns.
The Arabian sea was full of floating bits like seaweed, some it is large and not very pretty but India is not a pretty place.
Something that was predominate was the large number of children playing cricket. In some parks there may have been 4 or 5 games going on. They are mad cricket fans and when asked where we were from (Australia) they knew the scores
of our current game and often mentioned their favorite Sachen Tendulka
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