Kerala Backwaters

Welcome to the Green-ist part of India. 

Kerala - The south western State. A tropical destination hot spot. Beaches, surf, tropical backwaters, fruit plantations-- and actually some rather 'clean' towns.

Below is a common India Lunch, a 'Thali' with rice, curry, and a few different sauces, plus a yogurt, and usually a variation of Naan bread. Sometimes served on a plate, sometimes on a leaf- but never with cutlery. Its finger lick'in delicious.

The Backwaters 

*sigh*

The calmest place in India.

Breath Taking.

Keith and I took a day tour through these backwater in one of these boats. 

We visited some island villages, learned how coconut husk is made into thread (which hold this boat together), how fermented coconut liquor is made, and visited some beautiful gardens.

Easy does it--- No Rush here as our guide pushes us through the jungles' waters with a bamboo pole.

He didn't speak english...but he smiled at us. 

:)

On this secluded island, we visited a 2 man factory house.

A Clam Shell Processing Plant

This is a mound of clam shells- (after the meat has been removed) will be slowly roasted. Baked down into a fine powder then used in making cement, paints and fertilizers.

We continued down the river a watched these men hard at work- carrying mounds of sand on there head to a nearby construction site. 

Notice the boat- full of sand, to the point where it's 'almost' sinking.

just another day at the office...

 These boys were so excited to see that a bunch of white people travelled around the world- to see how they live.

They ran up to the shore line, and giddily waved.

This feeling...

peaceful, serene, breathing deeply the fresh jungle air, *silence, awe, a new found appreciation.

These backwaters of Kerala were a treat. 

My soul felt rejuvenated, humbled and at peace.

There's something about the jungle that really speaks to my soul.

And then back in town- I went to a traditional south Indian Dance performance.

This character is Shiva (one of the popular Hindu Deities) 

It took place in this traditional theatre and told and story of Ramana and Shiva, and some of there adventures.

Fun. Cultural. Colorful. and Loud.

Loving India.