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Hi Everyone, I'm really sorry to take so long to update my blog site. I'm actually in Australia at the moment, but am so far behind on my Indian adventures, that you will see the difference as I race through my southern Indian experiences, but I suppose it's better than nothing.
You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get to the internet when you're up at 6.30am every day travelling to a new place, and seeing what you can as quickly as possible, before moving straight on to the next place. However, as I am now at Long Island, sipping Long Island Ice Teas, chilling out on the palm fringed sun drenched beach, looking out on what I can only describe as an idyllic view, I have managed to drag myself away from my hammock, to catch you all up on my continuing exploits across the other side of the world.
A four hour flight finally saw me in South India, and the difference in climate really slams you in the face. I had come from North India; sunless & hazey, pollution leaden skies, and a dry heat that cooks the soles of your feet. But here in the south, the atmosphere is heavy to the point of oppression, the air is clammy, and leaves your clothes in a state of permanent dampness..mmm nice! The pace here already seems to be much more relaxed than the north, and there's certainly not so much traffic, and I can actually see sky yipee! I had to laugh, because the taxi driver from the airport, was so earnestly sorry for me - being unmarried at such an old age, he thinks there is no hope for me!
My first night in Cochin sees me heading to the theatre to see some Kathikali dancing - an ancient Indian dance form. Basically, this consists of men painting themselves in psychadelic colours, putting on huge sparkly costumes, and using mainly their eyes and eyebrows to dance out words and stories - this was going to be interesting. It felt like I was in the middle of a gay pride procession, with 2 men in drag wearing christmas decorations. However, despite the kitch outfits, I actually really enjoyed the event, the routine was hypnotic and a snapshot of an ancient culture. They danced out a story of temptation, one of the men plays the part of the temptress, she is described as a 'pretty woman', but I'd hate to see the 'ugly woman' if this is the case. There's lots of eyebrow wiggling, and apparently a fight of titanic proportions ensues, leaving the 'good god' triumphant and temptation is resisted woo hoo!
The next day we head to the mountains, and the land of tea plantations and eucalyptus trees. The temperature drops dramatically. At first I am grateful, but as it keeps dropping I'm not too sure. The people start to look more countrified, if you know what I mean. More weathered, with that narrow eyed gaze that mountain peole seem to have no matter which mountain it is in the world. The clothes are thicker and more coarse, and the patterns look almost like those you'd expect to see on the Inca Trail.
I can't believe a mountain can be so populated, and inhabited. Im used to the vast open plains of Snowdonia, where all you see is sheep, and quaint homesteads. Here, the mountains are teaming with people, litter, and of course animals of all shapes & sizes. The temperature drops to 2 degress, and I'm freezing, I'll never complain about the heat again. Whilst our colonnial style lodge called 'Ratan Tata' is quaint & lovely, there is no heating...what! And I have to go to bed fully clothed and swathed in blankets, grrrr.
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