India - Through Chris's Eyes

Friday 9th April

We left Alleppy as planned around 12 o'clock for the couple of hours bus ride to Fort Cochin, the more rural part of Kochi and most picturesque. Luckily enough the backs of the seats were high enough not to be able to see oncoming traffic heading straight at you on some of the narrow roads. We arrived a little late, then had the experience of trying to find a place to stay for the next three nights.

As we had found in Kollam, it's not that funny with temperatures nearing 37c and a full backpack to carry. Although I got some breeze when a local showed me some places to stay travelling pillion on his motorbike. Eventually, around an hour and a half later, we settled on staying at the Orion Hotel after seeing a few dull and dingy establishments at inflated prices.

The Orion had all that we needed including free Internet access (wifi) a rare treat thus far. Time we'd settled in it only really left enough time for a stroll and bite to eat along the seafront. By the time sunset had gone the mosquito's were out in force and definitely took a shine to Serena, and she spent the majority of the walk back home slapping away at the little buggers. As of yet they haven't realised I've turned up, either that or maybe the fact that I walk incredibly slowly they can't be bothered to hang around, still I'm not complaining.

Tiredness crept in again shortly after 7:30 and a little nap followed. Waking around 9ish, it was really hot in the room around 34c and I decided to venture out to get some cold drink, taking advantage of putting on the clothes I'd washed earlier in the day and going out wet through to cool off a little.