Post-trip to South India
After exploring the”Golden Triangle” of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, as well as Ranthambore National Park, Khajuraho and Varanasi, it’s time to put up the feet and slowly cruise on a houseboat through the backwaters of Kerala, South India. River life is slow moving but daily chores and grooming must be done, rice must be harvested and transported, childern must play, and fish must be caught for dinner. It’s just another day along the river...
Kathakali Theatre
One of the oldest forms of theatre, Kathakali originated in the Kerala state of S. India. The defining characteristics include the use colored face paint - green for noble males, angry or evil characters use red, women are painted with yellow. Gestures with hands, facial expressions and feet tell the story. Elaborate costumes are worn and blend in with the face paint. Drums and singing are used for background and special effects. Wonderful.
This story was about a “witch” trying to put one over on the king. Lots of training for the Kathakali performers.
It’s all in the eyes….
These nets are comprised of a cantilever with an outstretched net and large stones suspended from ropes on the opposite end.
Chinese fishing nets are lowered into the water for a period of time and then raised with, hopefully, a net of fish.
Trying their hand at raising the net - they did it and caught one fish!
Chinese fishing nets at sunset. We caught it just right - beautiful!
The fishing boat is back and ready to unload. Phew…
Take away for this bird
Iced down and ready for market
Jute rug making - hot and tiring work in this coop
Still done by hand
The finished product
Kochi at twilight
Patiently perching
Fishing boats anchored in the harbor
Container ships being loaded at the International Container Trans-shipment Terminal
Kochi Port is a major port on the Arabian Sea. Here you can see small fishing boats, the International Container Trans-shipment Terminal, a large cargo ship crossing, and Chinese fishing nets in the distance.