December 22nd

Yesterday we had breakfast of coconut and ginger (texture like grits or oatmeal) with a roti; potatoes and veggie gravy with parotta; and boiled banana. Also had our hostess' great masala tea. Finished we went for a walkabout, going to Thumpoly, a small town next to Alleppey.

We happened upon St Thomas Church. It was open so we went inside. The inside had a pinkish hue and one of the biggest alters we have seen thus far. Back outside there was a wooden boat with a glass encased statue of Mary. A placard read:

   In 1600 a ship carrying the statue…sailing in Arabian Sea…a storm stranded the ship on coast of Thumpoly. The captain handed over the statue…to St. Thomas Church. This miraculous statue is known as Kappalottakari Amma (mother who came by ship).

Then found an ATM; bought some banana chips (to try, Indians eat a bunch of these) and two kinds of cookies; and went back to our place. We ate a few banana chips – don't taste like bananas at all, more like just a potato chips, and some cookies for a light lunch; then just siesta and cool down. Planned on going to the beach for a swim, but it started to really rain. So we just watched the rain. About 645pm, we readied for supper. Our hosts made supper. We had fish (a carp) with a spicy sauce with a roti; chili chicken with green bell pepper and the rice noodles; and finger bananas. The meal was great!

After dinner, a pastor/minister came to bless the room that has been now completed. At the St Thomas Church we saw a couple having their new car blessed. So this is a custom. Actually not a bad one, kind of a way of thanking for blessings. Anyway, right after this another person came and checked into the other room. A nice,older French woman, by herself. She is on her 10th trip to India.

Today we readied and shared breakfast with the French lady. We were served a stew with a boiled egg each and rice; and a different roti – it was denser and had red onion and coconut in it. Also had the finger bananas and the masala tea we have come to love. After breakfast, we went to our room and noticed our clothes – our hostess washed them for us. We readied and went for our daily walkabout. We decided to walk the beach. It is still fascinating to us to see the two-toned colors of sand. we walked down to where there is “carnival” set up on the beach. They actually have a walk through aquatic tunnel – interesting!?! Why on the beach? How is the weight of this supported on a beach? Questions?? Anyway, we may try to go and see it. We walked back by way of Catamaran Restaurant. We each had a shake – me, peanut butter, Jeff cold coffee (surprising me still after 32 years); and a juice – me a lemonana, Jeff mint lime. Then back to our place – stopping once more for a cold water. (We have been frequenting the stall of a local lady, who smiles when she sees us.) Cool down and rinsed off. 

Around five we went back out for a swim and sunset. The water seemed warmer, but was great! Sunset was early due to a bank of clouds but it was nice. We will definitely do this more! We finished and went the five minute walk back to our place, then we showered and readied ourselves for dinner. We were served Paneer Masala and a spicy (for us) gravy. We also had three kinds of bread – parotta, rice bread (flat and very thin), and roti. Then there was fruit: watermelon, and tangelos. Very tasty meal!!  🙂

Finished we went up to the balcony and enjoyed the evening!!