Out of India

After the sad farewell to our lovely hosts we got on the road to Kovalam. The trip started quietly but we’re soon in the midst of hundreds of women marching down the road.  

Ladies on the march

They’re marching for equal pay for women and are young and old and dressed in their Sunday best.

Marching marching

 The march is organised by the CIP, the communist party who have been demonstrating all over Kerela flying their red flags with a hammer and sickle in advance of February elections. Everything is passing peacefully and John’s shouts of support “Up the workers sisters” is well received.

Follow us girls!

40 miles down the road we’re held up in a small town where protests may have been rather more robust. Aware of a lot of police standing around we watch as at least a dozen handcuffed prisoners are led across the road by burley, I wouldn’t mess with them, coppers who are putting their captives into a police bomb disposal van.

Move it move it

Further down the road a big demonstration is taking place with more red flags flying and about 30 cops trying to prevent the marchers from going any further. 

Stay back

Bystanders watch on

We gradually get by and see the remainder of a second women’s march disbanding.  Equal pay is one thing but there’s still a lot of sweeping, washing and cooking to be done!

Got to get back things to do!

The 4 hours drive brings us to Kovalam. We’re right on the beach and as we haven’t seen the sea since Christmas the sight is refreshing.  We are staying near the lighthouse which throws out its eerie beam over the palm trees and the sea.

The lighthouse

A walk into the next cove takes only 10 minutes but we are suddenly intimidated by the number of western tourists that are here.  It takes a bit of getting used to after the last 2 months when white faces have been few and far between.

On th plus side, the number of tourists means that there are a number of bars and eateries all competing for business – which means that quality is good and cost are reasonable.  For the first time in ages we are spoilt for choice as to where to eat and drink.

Walking down the promenade at 7.30pm I am quite amazed to see so many people   drinking mugs of  tea. That is until I realise that none of the bars have liquor licenses so all beer is served under the table and drunk from mugs.  It still tastes as good but for sure it looks odd. Beer isn’t the only refreshment available and many of the tables occupied by Indian parties have bottles of Johnny Walker or arrack, the local firewater distilled from (you’ve got it ) coconuts.

Milk one sugar

The food looks good with every place displaying the day’s catch with fresh fish lovingly displayed.  You have to be careful of the marlin which usually have an apple placed on the end of their sharp pointed noses rather like the button on a sword. There is a fabulous choice of fish, marlin, tuna, barracuda, red snapper, crab, lobster, shrimp…so we opt for chicken!.

I feel like chicken tonight chicken tonight.

On our last morning I ask John to get me a boiled egg and we have a Cool Hand Luke sort of moment with me in the role played by Paul Newman.  John asks the chef for a five minute boiled egg and indicates the cooking time by holding up the requisite number of fingers, one digit  per minute. Five minutes later, we’re somewhat embarrassed when 5 boiled eggs are delivered to our table.

A few days relaxing on the beach concludes our first trip to India and too soon, we’re getting ready to fly back to Colombo before the long journey home.

View from the beach

  We have enjoyed our first trip to India and whilst we have only seen a small bit of the South of a huge country we have been treated to fantastic scenery and brilliant friendly people. The memories will stay with us both for a long time.

The sun sets on our last night in India

Our next (and possibly final) blog will be from Colombo when we are back in Sri Lanka.

Special Birthday wishes go to Kate - we are thinking of you and are sorry we aren’t with you - have a lovely day. Hugs and kisses-  Dad and Lucy