A Travel Day

Our friend had very kindly offered to take us to the train station on his way to work. He also prepared a delicious breakfast to feed us up for the journey ahead.

When we were dropped off, Christine had left her bag in the car which meant a quick u turn for our friend to get it back!

The train did eventually arrive 2 hours later than expected. It was fairly empty and a very scenic 6 hour journey along the coast of Kerala.

We caught up a little time and arrived at 5pm. A 15 minute walk to the Palayam bus stop and we jumped on the first bus heading to Koolimandu, a small village amongst nature!

In Koolimandu we were collected by our friends and whisked off to their home amongst the trees. The road was being fixed so was a little bumpy but the place we were staying was marvellous.

We relaxed, drank juice and listened to the chill out tunes and little critters amongst the trees.

Later we went out to a bridge where the locals hang out at a little tea stall.  We drank tea and ate banana fry.  We then walked across the bridge.  There was a man selling something from big glass jars...it was different fruits pickled in water, vinegar amd spices.  We tried pineapple, guava and mango and they were really nice. 

Just as we were about to leave, a man jumped off a motorbike and came over and introduced himself as a local journalist.  It appeared someone has told him some 'foreigners' were in town.  He whipped out his microphone and his friend make a video whilst Darryl told him where we were from.  We had our photo taken and were told it may make the local paper and go on YouTube!

On the way back we picked up some paratha which we had back at base with some really tasty curry made by our friend's mum.

The sky was beautifully lit up by a bright, full moon.