The Big Man

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Kanyakamari is a quaint little town. Life is slow and there is no need to rush. We left the hotel for breakfast at a small street stall. 3 paratha each and we were done. Tea is another of our regular stops and through out the day we drink a lot!

We walked straight past the street where the boats to the small island begin. We backtracked and joined the queue. It went fairly quickly but boarding the boat was rather more interesting. Men and ladies were seperated in seperate queues. A big box full of life jackets was waiting ...

Basically, after a count of 3 everyone ran to grab a life jacket and dived on to the boat. Some crammed through the door, some dived through the window. Pushing and shoving was the way the locals caught the small ferry. We haven't witnessed this kind of behaviour in India for about 20 years. Even some of the locals were shocked. We put this bizarre behaviour down to holiday (pilgrimage ) excitement and the fear of husband and wife being seperated.

We stood at the front of the boat as everyone fought for a seat. It was nice and calm there. The boat trip was short and as soon as we were on, we wer off again. 

First we explored the island temple and meditation hall
. Next we queued to go across onto the island where the giant man stood. He really is huge and build from pieces of rock fitted together. Finally we queued one more time to escape.


We walked the small streets hunting for interesting things to buy. We did buy  small rangoli pattern sieve and essential items such as toothpaste. Curd is so nice we got 0.5 kg to eat.

We visited the Gandhi museum but didn't have much time as they were closing. Next, to the sea front to watch people bathing. We chatted to a deaf lady and she was very friendly. She bought us some pineapple to share. We bought her some tea. We think she has 2 children and her husband was killed in the Tsunami. Though we may be completely wrong...

We ate in a small cafe and couldn't face another thing to eat. Cake was skipped and we bought coke instead!


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