Alleppey

Day 87 - 89

The backwaters - something we had been excited to see for a long time, 900km of backwater canals ready to be explored!

First we checked into Matthew Brown's residence, the least Indian sounding name I know but I assure you he was. In fact only a true south Indian could bear the 35° blistering heat in the hotbox he called a home without even contemplating opening a window.

Headed straight out for Thali at a local eatery, food was great and has an extra spice that we didn't quite get in Sri Lanka. Perfecting the technique of eating only with your right hand however may take some time, no cutlery whatsoever, saucy curries and all. Ellie has particularly nailed this skill with a sharp 90° head crank followed abrubtly by launching that rice and curry right up onto her lips, I'm still learning.

Had a rough first night, it's not all glamour this travelling lark and I was well and truly under siege from mosquitos. Too frugal to pay to additional air con fee I suffered greatly counting a good 30 bites come morning time.

Quickly put this aside however and boarded the ferry to go pick up our canoe from a local back water villager. Sadly a houseboat with personal chef doesn't fit into a backpackers budget, as glorious as they look - so we opted for a full day back water canoe to take in the sights.

Day was amazing, cruising around the backwaters was both super interesting and very peaceful, watching locals undergo daily activities from laundry to river dunking their parrots (it just as odd to watch too I assure you). Ellie forced me to put an Eagle on my shoulder today, seemed fairly domesticated but impressive nonetheless.

Shinkesh spoke great English which helped our trip, in fact I think if anything it was Limbster causing the language confusion, seemingly shocked to find out matchmaking isn't a popular back water profession.

Did a drive by toddy pick up in our canoe, toddy shops are the local drinking holes along the backwaters. These secretive little shacks are dotted around the place, prohibition style. End up inside a corrugated iron hut and you’ll be plied with the coconut hooch ranging from 5% to 30% depending on the time of day you arrive. Half a litre to go please.

Not wanting to leave the backwaters we found a local homestay on one of the villages, best sunset over the river to date watching the boats cruise by and chatting to the locals, Ellie getting the attention (and kisses) of the cute children which me left fending off conversation from the patrons of the Hooch Tavern.もっと詳しく