December 12th

I awoke at 0730, but went back to sleep til 908!! Guess I was not as caught up on my sleep as I thought! I only got up because Jeff woke me so we could go to breakfast. I quickly got around and we went to breakfast. We both chose continental meals of a two egg, masala omelet with three pieces of toast and a fruit plate of bananas, and watermelon. (I did not mention the fruit plate we shared yesterday- it was bananas and some papaya which they grow themselves.) The breakfast table was full. There was the older man – he's 75, and has been living in Thailand off and on for at least 20 yrs. We saw him yesterday. There's a couple, in their 50-60's, also saw them yesterday. They do not seem to speak English, at least they do not engage in conversation. And there's a new couple from England. They are probably in their 30's. It made for good conversation at the table.

After breakfast we went out to the Mattancherry Palace Museum, walking. It's only 1.2 miles. We arrived and paid the entrance fee of a whooping 5 rupees each – that is six cents!! The palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, was built here in1500's. It is now just a museum and not much remains from the Kochi Rajas -mostly it is preserved religious paintings on the walls. There are a few artifacts: a few palanquins – a covered litter for one passenger that has a large pole from each end to facilitate carrying the royalty by four to six bearers (one of which was Ivory covered); many portraits of past Rajas; an example of a Raja's ceremonial outfit, down to a rosewood cane; an example of a queen's dress – two white cotton wraps, top and bottom with gold laced edging; also a sword (I can not recall the significance); and stamp and coin collections. It was a great deal for the price, and we enjoyed it.

From here we went to Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568. It is right next to the Palace, but that way is blocked. Instead you have to go out and around, through streets of Jew Town, lined with tourists shops and antique shops. Anyway, the synagogue charged 12 cents entrance fee per person. It was quaint, and it is still in active status. There was more of a Jewish presence here until Israel became a nation, most left then. Paradesi is Indian term for foreigners, because most came from Spain and Portugal, escaping religious persecution. There was a picture of Jews that came from many Common Wealth  nations to celebrate the synagogues 450th year, in 2018!!! The floor is just over a 1,000 hand painted, Chinese porcelain tiles. Many chandeliers are Belgian glass, and the pulpit is brass railed.

From here we walked on, searching for a hypermart, but could not find it. But we found a place for lunch, at a five star hotel! This was a surprise because the area changed into a working area, not touristy at all. We ate at the outdoor cafe. We had good food – a Mediterranean salad of sun-dried tomatoes, olives and grilled vegetables with a balsamic vinegar dressing; and Tikka Chicken Caesar salad. Jeff had a beer and I had a Coke. Well, we paid five star prices for the food and drinks compared to everywhere else we ate. Our service was bad – I think because we were outside and no wait staff was stationed out here – too hot. Anyway while we were waiting for the bill… and waiting, Jeff looked up for another store and found a picture of the hypermart. The outside just did not look like one, so we went back there after we finally received the bill – Jeff had a $5 beer, and I had a $3 Coke!!

We found the hypermart and the things we needed. Jeff booked a private car to get us back as we were hot and sweaty enough. Siesta time, at least cool down time!! 

We went back out for supper and found Cane's Dine and Kitchen. We had fresh mint lime juice, water and a chocolate ice cream shake for our drinks. Meals: Chicken Fried Noodles with egg, and bits of cabbage, carrot, bean sprouts, green bell pepper, and very little chilies; and Mushroom Masala. The lady asked if we wanted Paratha. Ahh, hmm…?  we acknowledged we did not know what this was. She brought us each a piece. It is a flat bread, and we really liked this one. In fact, we loved the whole meal, a lot. We will be back here, too.

We had cloud cover again, no visible sunset. But it was a fine day in Kochi.