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- Jan 18, 2024, 7:24 AM
- ☀️ 25 °C
- Altitude: 16 ft
IndiaKeralaFort CochinVimanativu9°57’51” N 76°14’16” E
Last day with the group
![](http://d2k8htqlk8yn1a.cloudfront.net/img/flags-png/in.png)
How time flies when you’re having fun. And it has been fun. The odd hiccup - arrival and crap room here in Fort Kochi but that’s minor.
We went to the Jewish sector yesterday, aptly called Jew Town. Not very PC and quite uncomfortable being in the synagogue in the light of the current situation in Gaza.
The Synagogue is the oldest surviving working synagogue in the Commonwealth and was built in 1568. It’s known as the Pardesi Synagogue as it was built by the Portuguese speaking Sephardic Jews. Pardesi means foreigner - in Malalayam. I think. Fort Cochin was the first European settlement in India. The Portuguese arrived first, followed by the Dutch and then the British.
We had a great guide. Entertaining and enlightening. Oh my goodness she spoke fast and gave us the full history in 45 minutes! She also had a brilliant sense of humour. There are more than communities, speaking 16 different languages co existing peacefully in Kerala. It has a unique character due mainly to the fact those here had more contact with the Arab world and Europe due to the natural deep harbour on one side and the high mountains giving little or scant access on the other.
Sketching, Italian coffee (I kid you not) and colourful quaint streets. I can’t believe that today is the last day of the Mumbai / Kochi sketch tour. Suhita and Zainab are fun, crazy, talented, warm individuals. They complete opposites but work so well together. Passionate about art, Mumbai, India and her culture. It’s been a real privilege.
It’s been challenging, exhilarating and fun. Noisy, overwhelming, vibrant, hot, dusty. Inspiring, harrowing, crowded.
People are insanely curious and kind. They stop and chat and take photos. They also hassle big time. There is a real divide between rich and poor. It’s heartbreaking and one needs a hardened heart. Apparently it is ok for Indian people to give to beggars but not foreigners. The best way to help is to support NGO’s, buy locally from artisans and women’s cooperatives.
Now for the next stage of the journey.Read more
Traveler Looks and sounds a wonderful trip so far Mrs B. Enjoying your updates and seeing your movements on the map 😀 stay safe xx
Traveler Thanks lovely. It’s been a real adventure. The crunch will come when I’ll be on my own, But for now I’m enjoying every minute.
Traveler
Some very skilled artists with you Sam.
Traveler Indeed. The tutors are great too 🩷