Day something something now, sometime in the early afternoon. Two days ago: visited a Catholic death commemorative with neighbors, followed by feast complete with Indian whisky. Chatted in English/Malayalam pidgin with crazy uncle. Visited Ashram; might go back to stay. Dragged around in forest for a little while with Aunt/Nun - pointing out the fruit trees and the vast expanse of land which now belongs to the children since Dad died (2 years ago exactly, per commemorative event). Stopped at elephant reserve and monkey zoo on the way home. Surprised to learn monkeys can freely exit cages. Not too fond of their sharp teeth, otherwise cute. Elephants quite entertaining taking bath in river. Lots of ants near the river. Note to self: watch for ants near the river.
Yesterday chartered a houseboat with a group of locals to explore Keralan backwaters, again with Indian liquor but this time Brandy. Excellent with soda and 15 types of Chilies. Food extremely tasty - taste buds more or less stoned for the next week. Spent most of the trip providing utter fascination to small children dazzled by pasty skin. Taught one to dance. Took lots of photographs. Perfected use of English/Malayalam pidgin; successfully communicated many complicated subjects, such as, "we love you people too!!!" Stopped somewhere along the water to a small shack producing coconut toddi, a mild intoxicating juice produced from the flowers of coconut trees. Purchased some for the ladies who were not interested in brandy. Us? Stuck fast to the old college mantra; "Brandy before Toddi, very Naughty". Ultimately refrained on the advice of whichever sages coined that one. Took a canoe ride; didn't sink. Success!
Today trucked it down to catch a bus onward at 6:30 am. Learned of bus strike in destination town. Returned home discouraged, but not downtrodden. Working on hiring a private car to make the trip. Will press on.
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