Friday, November 6, 2015

NOVEMBER 6 FROM COCHIN TO KUMARAKOM

We had a relaxing morning since we weren't going to be picked up until 10:30.  The service in the cafe yesterday morning was awful, but Charlie figured out this morning what the issue was.  People have the day off on election day.  There were only 2 waiters in the cafe yesterday, and it was full of tourists.  Today, a lot of the tourists left, and we had 3 waiters.

When the driver came, we asked his name.  It's Rmanimaran or Rmani Maran (not clear).  The R is for fun, he doesn't seem to pronounce it.  We had lots of time since it is only a 2 hour ride to Kumarakom.  We stopped at a couple of gift shops.  One had lovely things, but not for me.  One was really expensive for basic stuff.  On the road we passed by what turned out to be an Indian DMV.  People were driving in a circle.  The vehicles were motor scooters, tuk tuks, and cars.  It takes about an hour.  A man stands and watches the test takers go in the circle and then they either pass or fail. If they fail, they can try again in a week.  All test takers have to be 18 or older.  We saw 2 fails, then the official chased us away.
The driving official checking out test takers

This little girl ultimately failed, she didn't signal a turn

Rice harvesting along the way to Kumarkom

The rest of the drive was same-ish.  We eventually got to the Kumarakom Lake Resort.  We are back to luxurious digs.  Just outside our room is an enclosed area with toilet, shower, sink, and hot tub.  No one can see into our little outdoor facility.  It sounds a bit rough, but is far from it.
The boat owned by the resort

View of the lake


Charlie and I at lunch

Nifty square sailed boat

One of the house boats

We had lunch here.  One of the activities was pottery.  I tried it on the hand wheel.  I won't keep my couple of pieces.  Just for fun.

Charlie in our room just after we managed to get the computer started

Our outdoor pool/bathroom

The vase in the middle is mine

The wheel I used

At 4 we had tea in the garden.  At 5:30 we took a boat ride on the lake.  So far lots of fun!
Our boat ride had a musical accompaniment





All the photos above were scenes along the shoreline

Sunset


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