Journey to Kochi (Cochin)

We set off for Kochi (Fort Cochin) after breakfast, and after David had complained to Management about all the issues we had with our hotel room (but that's another story and he'll be busy on Trip Advisor no doubt)

This is a poor picture taken through the windscreen of our car as we set off ... not a sight you see everyday on busy roads is it?

but then, neither is this:

Once we'd cleared the busy City and its rush hour traffic, we stopped for Chai - we're really getting hooked on this stuff!

This is David with our lovely driver, Joshi

Previously we've had chai served in small terracotta bowls which we then throw on the floor and smash afterwards, or (more usually) in small cardboard cups

Today we were served chai in stainless steel pots with stainless steel bowls and Joshi showed us what we were expected to do ...

Pouring the chai from the cup to the bowl and back again helps to cool it and to mix in the ingredients etc

Here's David learning to be a Chai Wallah!

This is our 'home' for the next couple of nights ... in years gone by it was the Cochin Governor's mansion and is very central to all the main attractions, including the famous Chinese fishing nets at the harbour front.   Its a bit basic but clean and comfortable.  I understand that there is a rooftop restaurant but haven't explored that yet.

There is a tree near our bedroom window which was occupied by a beautiful bright blue kingfisher when I looked out.   By the time I got my camera he'd flown off.  He returned again after 20 minutes or so but took off again just as I tried to photograph him.   I'm hoping its a favourite spot for him and that I might get a picture before we move on to our next destination.

Historic Fort Cochin is believed to be the oldest European settlement in India 

The hotel doesn't have a liquor licence ... so yet another 'dry' hotel.   However we went off for a little exploratory walk and found a local bar that sold beer ...hallelulujah

actually we found 2 that sold beer ...

The temperature was in the 30s this afternoon so we strolled VERY slowly around the backstreets  looking at the shops which are mainly full of clothes and souvenirs aimed at tourists.  

I saw this man with his 'shop on wheel' coming towards me and took a quick photo

but he asked me to take another, close-up picture and show him the result ...

I guess he was pleased as I got a lovely big smile and a wonderful 'head wobble' from him
 
We then headed for the seafront to look at the Chinese fishing nets.   Its a bit of a tourist trap and we've been here before, but at least the cool breezes were welcome, even if the guys trying to sell us 'tourist tat' weren't!

Just a few pics of the nets etc

In this last picture the fisherman is helping to lower the net into the water which requires a bit of athletic climbing prowess.

His 'skirt' is a very common item of clothing worn by the men here.  Its called a Dhoti and can be worn as a long garment or hitched up and tied between the legs to make a shorter garment ... here's a few more

well, I did say it was hot this afternoon so a little Siesta is definitely a good idea

Our driver, Joshi, is from Kochi (Cochin) and before dropping us at our hotel today he drove us to a waterside restaurant which is a bit off the 'tourist' track and apparently has great food and sensible prices.  It also serves beer and wine so that clinched it! We had a quick look at the menu and it all looks very nice so that's where we are heading tonight.   Although we could walk to the restaurant in about 25 minutes, we'll take a Tuk Tuk I think.

Then tomorrow (which is a free day for us) Joshi has suggested that we take the water taxi to an area known as Broadway where there is a large marketplace and where the locals shop - fixed prices for everything so no need to haggle and the products are probably better quality (should we wish to buy anything).   Then he has suggested taking a bus back in the afternoon as they will be empty at that time ... so we'll do as 'the locals' do and use public transport!