Ok, so maybe the title is too cynical, but this may have been the most expensive experience we will have in India. Not that that is bad, but I did experience pangs of guilt as our boat swept past old ladies beating washing on the shore, and skinny skinny fishermen in dugout coconut canoes... :oS
After the ashram, we hopped on another boat full of white people showing too much flesh, and heading to an overnight stay in the lovely canal filled town of Alleppey, the centre of the 'venice of India' claims. Early the next day, after being held up by marches and (strictly non-violent mum!)protests about the communist government, we boarded our own little slice of Kerala, or as they call it, God's own country (hmm, think i've heard that before). Interestingly, the protests continued even, on the water, as we were passed along the way by a boat proclaiming loud slogans in Mallayalam. I found out later, that most of the people in the large protests probably didn't even support that party, as in India they really do have rent-a-crowds for demonstrations and protests. :)
The boat itself was pure luxury compared to what we have been used to, and came equipped with a three man crew (one for each of us!?) who were very friendly and enthusiastic, if lacking in language skills a little. The captain, however, clearly liked to establish that he was a captain, honking his little horn every few minutes, even if ther was no other vessel in sight. Backwater canal rage perhaps?
Withh very little to do (which I found very hard), we contented ourselves with stuffing our faces with delicious food, playing many many games of cards and waving to little children on the banks. It was a very idyllic experience (despite the 6million other tourists on houseboats around us), but one i think Steph enjoyed more than Aaron and I, as she is much better at relaxing and doing nothing. I had a great time, but am thoroughly boated out, and ready to move on to more active adventures (that hopefully involve less mossies :)
Much love from India! Shanti
