Padipura Residency Alappuzha

... early 20's and didn't speak any English or Hindi. Our hotel manager got across that we were headed to Alleppey and want to stop at Varkala beach on the way.<br><br>The hour and a half drive to the beach resort of Varkala was pretty much the same as the day before only it was raining and the windows were fogged. The seat belts were small comfort.<br><br>Our driver followed the signs to Varkala beach only he didn't realize that there are two ...

... only one family onboard to get a good bed for themselves for the night), a nice relaxing area with a television and DVD player although no cable TV, many chairs for sitting, a dining room table, and a platform near the wheel that we could fit chairs onto for the best view. <br><br>As we started coating down the backwaters, we saw palm trees all along the narrow canals. Additionally, many village people were living in small houses along the water, and ...

... was leaving the wharf at 9.30 am and at 9.15, a ferry pulled into the wharf and tied up. At 9.30, with several passengers on board ready to go, we were informed that our ferry was 1 hour late. When we asked about the ferry already at the wharf, we were told that it was the 11.30 ferry and ours would be here at 10.30. So, although there was a ferry ready to go, it sat there while the one that was late continued to be late. That's India.

... canoe trip through the backwaters visiting a few local villages along the way. In one village we learned how to make rope from the threads inside coconuts, in another we saw how they make calcium powder out of clam shells, and in another we saw various spice plants. Enjoy the pics... Tomorrow I'm off to ...

... 3 most relaxing things I've ever done. Words can only do so much. You'll have to wait for the pictures. Indian Cultural Difference - The "Passing" Lane: Most roads in India do not have a passing lane. Most roads are two lane roads with a dotted yellow line - in and of itself, no big deal. However, when you include Indian drivers in the mix it's quickly put on the ...

... presumably to re-balance their auras, then got back on the boat to whinge about the price of hostels and swap tips on how to avoid all the Indians. The spectacular scenery (and the sugar slump) finally silenced everyone by mid-afternoon and we settled down to watch the world slowly go by. I must have been relaxed because I even started waving at the excited kids on the towpaths, who leapt up and down waving madly when they saw us ...

... mind for this idyllic end to our vacation, but it could be a lot worse. This morning, we docked the boat and of course we were found by our driver who took us up to Kochin and our flight back to Mumbai, which we are actually looking forward to, for its familiarity. We get to Mumbai, on time, get our bags and transfer to the International terminal and go to the BA desk to check in. Airport is somewhat different here than at home (or at least anywhere else that I have been) in that you ...

Remember in "Apocalypse Now" when Chef leaves the boat to get some mangoes and stumbles upon a tiger. He returns, dripping with sweat and very freaked out, screaming at the top of his lungs "Never leave the boat!" Let's just say that I have a fuller appreciation of that scene after straying off the path while walking through the jungles of Coorg. My new mantra..."Never leave the path! Never leave the path!" It's early. Out my window are the sounds of the jungle waking up. The sun is ...

... it was good but very very naked so dont be shy people its very good for you if you can handle being oild all over by a large indian man the benefits far outweigh the nudity squirm factor. If your a guy dont worry the dude will try and even put your clothes on for you and It mite seem a bit gay, but it seems to me all that stuff doesent really enter into the mind of the practitioner, anyway I learnt some new massage today and to all my friends who i have ...

... at the staff at the place we were at. This was the first time at all anyone of us has seen an Indian angry. Anyhow, he threw a benny and started kicking tables and chairs (plastic) around. Police had left by now anyway. I positioned my teapot ready to clock him if he came over and then leg it. His co-owner came out and they all calmed down. All our new mates them spent the next 15mins explaining he does it twice a week but is a very very very nice man ...