We woke up around seven got ready and ventured out on the upper deck for tea and coffee, followed by breakfast as we motored along the water ways. We stopped for a walk through one of the villages, disembarking by a historic church, which according to the sign was built in 427. The one we saw was not the original but there is still one on that spot and in use today.
We decided not to spend a second night on the boat and booked ourselves into the Ramada overlooking one of the bays.
Had a lovely lunch on board while cruising more backwaters and across a big lake, the we disembarked at the hotel’s dock.
After a quick cleanup we took a tuk tuk the short distance into town to have a look around. It’s election time here in Kerala and there are posters plastered to everything, and we mean everything! Every wall, lamp post, signpost, tree and any empty space where it’s possible to stick a flyer or signboard. Jeeps, vans and cars with huge loudspeakers bungee tied on them were driving around, each blasting their own party’s political message. Then parades of marching bands, flag bearers, bongo players, motorcycles with banners and balloons – a general good time going on as each party extols their virtues and why you should elect them! More like a Mardi Gras celebration than pre-election campaigning! Great spectator fun.
We spotted a large fabric shop, thinking of Nancy, and went in for a look. The department store was a four story Art Deco style building with the original staircase, mirrors and fixtures all there and still in use. Sure we were the only ones there who were looking at the building and not just the fabrics!
Every street corner had armed soldiers keeping the peace and ensuring that everyone gets a chance to march through town and that the traffic keeps moving.
It really was a fun afternoon out.