Day 72–Cochin, India

Today I took a tour on the Backwaters of Kerala to Alleppey on a Traditional Houseboat, this was one ship excursion that I thoroughly enjoyed.  It was a long (almost 2 hours) bus ride to Alappuzha, that was interesting but there sure is a great deal of litter in India which can be depressing after awhile.  However, the boat trip certainly made up for that.

The houseboat has been converted from a traditional Indian longboat, the boat is a blend of old and new – old for it’s thatched roof, typical of these types of vessels; and new for its solar panels which provide energy for lighting and also for the flat screen TV that is in the main dining area.  It was a very luxurious houseboat with a cushiony sofa and many soft pillowed sitting areas.  These boats also have 3 bedrooms which rent out for overnights at $400 a night for one bedroom, of course that includes 3 meals a day and a cruise similar to what we experienced.

 Captain of the boat

 Our Guide Alex

The cruise provided an interesting glimpse into the daily life of the locals.  We peacefully glided along a beautiful network of rivers, lakes and canals which is all called the “Backwaters of Kerala”.  This connects the coast with the interior.  The canals have for centuries provided a safe and efficient means for transporting goods and people, helping to establish the region as a center for trade.

  A ferry stop

 Waiting for the ferry

 The larger commuter ferry

 Transporting concrete to a building site

Along the way, we saw churches, mosques and temples.

 The Orthodox Church

We also saw many schools, especially Catholic ones.

 St Mary’s School

 Catholic High School

At the water’s edge we observed villagers bathing, doing their laundry or washing their dishes.

At the end of the day we say women walking home from work and the fishermen returning home from fishing.

We see so many distressing pictures of India of the poverty and the poor living conditions that it was a real pleasure for me to have my first day in India spent on these various bucolic waterways.

  This is an old boat called the “Snake Boat” – which holds 100 paddlers.  They have races once a year.

After dinner this evening I watched the movie “Ghandi” which I had seen many years ago.  It was very moving watching it again.  He made quite a difference in the country of his birth and for the world at large.  I plan on visiting his home in Mumbai tomorrow.  I think this movie should be required viewing for everyone, especially our youth (Grandchildren pay attention)   With all that’s going on in the world today a little bit of “Ghandi” could go a far way now.