January 4

Awoke around 610 to music! We think in was from a temple. At seven when we stepped out, it stopped (of course it did, right?!) Anyway we were served breakfast at 730, of Idli bread with two different curries, and pineapple. After we finished we headed out for a big walk about and circumnavigated the area (8,000 steps). That was fun and got to see people close up, who usually smiled and waved. So friendly. We arrived back before the driver made it (he stayed last night “in town” the cook said).  Anyway, our driver guy showed up around 1020 and we started cruising. He sounds very hoarse and has a cough (that slightly worsened as the day progressed). Not wanting to be exposed to that, we hit the “crow's nest” – I wonder if it was called this because crows like it up here. I've had to shoo some crows away, but we have had to do this while we are eating down below. So who knows (well google probably does).

We cruised down the canal and came to a fork and he took the lesser used one, actually no one else was going this far. The canal did not have any other houseboats, way fewer houses, and the water bus stops are no longer dotting up and down the canal. There are only occasional canoe boats being powered by people paddling them. Most of the sounds are birds trilling, our houseboat, and rare 'slap-slap' of clothes being beaten-washed. It was really relaxing and enjoyable.

We passed under bridges, one being built. Then came to nice dock of a very tidy, kept-up area of a restaurant or house, unknown, but was a great setting to eat lunch. There was a duck “farm” close by enough we could see and hear them. I was thinking, duck, umm – tasty. We were served fish steaks. Made for a nice meal instead of duck. Also had potato hash-like (with tarragon, I think); veg- curry; coconut and nigella seeds; papadum; and rice. After lunch, we all had a siesta. We started back up around 230 pm. But unfortunately, three houseboats passed by us just as we were letting out to go. So was not as peaceful, and getting back to the mainstream. But then we turned and took a way lesser canal! We had to pass under a bridge that we we lacked a few inches from being too tall!!  WOWZA! Exciting!

We had our afternoon tea and snack of fried banana with fennel seeds, and this time a piece of bread with the same batter, also fried. Then we came to a more busy area, an actual town/city. We pulled over at a huge church. We were told 30 minutes, so we stepped off and paid a small amount of change for a flyer to Kalloorkad St. Mary's Basilica, Champakulam. It was large outside and inside! Beautiful alter! Back outside there was a display of a Nativity. What set this one apart… there was a canal/moat with a footbridge to cross to get to the manger! It was fun to see that adaptation!

We reboarded and took off again. The skies are looking more and more like rain the later it gets. This is okay because it is a whole lot cooler! We begin to pick up a bunch more houseboat traffic also now. Back to the reality that is India… people and lots of them! We made it back to where we stayed last night! So more music tomorrow morning!!

Our cook guy left, his night off. I did tell him to say hello to his wife, Anita, for us. (I can not remember his name, or the driver.) I need to get better at this! I blogged and Jeff read. Went down from our 'perch' and our driver guy said supper 30 minutes, okay. I nodded saying that would be fine. We went in our room and readied . We were served supper around 730 pm – chicken curry (more flavorful and bit more zingy). We also had rice, which we ate a little more of with the curry; potato-like hash with carrots added; and chapputi. We opened the second bottle of Indian wine. It was couple steps better; had some flavor… but it was still very lacking. We will keep trying, but so far – well, India is not known for wines.

We went into our room around eight-thirty. I did mention to Jeff I hope we don't get what our driver guy has, because he will make us two meals. Anyway, finished our blog and turned in early. We will get started at 630 tomorrow – I think that is what I was told.