...and the story continues

Aliisa escaping the exhausting sun and heat...

I got up to the first day in Cochin, didn't I? As I mentioned earlier, while Aino was sleeping, Saara and I went on a small exploration. After walking around for a few hours, we found ourselves singing religious hymns (in Finnish) at a local Catholic church. The priest didn't seem to mind, and we decided to spend a while testing out the acoustics of the building. We have been feeling a bit Christmassy lately actually. I can only imagine how crazy people are going back at home, buying presents, decorating their homes and arranging season parties. To some people that might sound like hell, but Christmas is my favorite time of year with the lovely combination of serenity and hassle. I guess what I'm missing the most are the scents of approaching Christmas: gingerbread, glogi..

What I can smell right now is certainly not approaching Christmas, but an exotic mix of fish, mold, sea water, sun screen and sweat. Even though it sounds rather repulsive, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now. But more about this place (Varkala) once I finish off with Cochin.

In the evening, Aino was already feeling better and we were able to have dinner together. Saara and I were already planning the next morning's wake-up. We had decided to attend the Sunday service, that of the first Advent. Aino wasn't too interested, but Saara and I actually made it to the mass on time! The service started at 8.30am! :D We had a hard time following the mass, although some parts of it were done in English. All in all we got to experience something new, and after the service we felt the season spirit growing inside us. Aino joined us for breakfast at a nearby cafe. After that we decided to continue expoloring the isle. We walked through narrow allies and past deteriorating clay huts inhabited by poor families. Saara was fascinated by the children and coundn't stop taking photos of them. We couldn't help smiling seeing the happiness of the children as they saw their own photo on the camera screen. Other happenings in Cochin: Aliisa drank coconut milk straight from the coconut, Saara and Aliisa took a small boatride to Vypeen island and back to Fort Cochin, Saara and Aino stripped but naked for a full body massage, and the evening finale was a relaxing tabla & sitar concert.




On the following morning, at around 5am, we departed from Cochin. Our train was supposed to leave from the railway station at 6.10am, but ended up leaving at 5.45 instead. I can't believe we made it on time! Obviously there were no seats left for us so the luggage compartment had to do. There we slept uncomfortably for a few hours, but made it to Varkala before noon, and that's what mattered. This wonderful place was recommended to us by the two Swedish girls, Martina and Sara, who we met in Pushkar. Having now spent two nights here, we can confirm we're in paradise - a tropical heaven turned hell by the thousands of tourists.

It's now almost 3pm, and I'm ready to hit the beach. I have to find the girls first, but that shouldn't be too hard since the entire "resort" is conveniently located on one long road. In other words, they're here somewhere! :D Before I go, a word or two about pictures. Lots have been taken and they'll be posted here as soon as we finish with the actual writing-bit. I find that more important. There was just so much to tell this time. I could easily spend another two hours posting the photos, which I will - later. But now I'm off to find the girls.

- Aliisa (who's feet can't wait to touch the sand again)