24: Kochi (previously known as Cochin), India…Town and Village

Our approach to Kochi afforded us great views of the historic Fort Cochin waterfront and these beautifully
engineered fishing net structures (said to have been introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century).
In the background is St. Francis Church (1503), which for a time, housed the remains of Vasco da Gama.

An American faculty member on board, who had grown up in North India, once referred to the state of Kerala in southern India, as “India Light”. And without making any judgment as to the cultural sensitivity of the remark, I would have to say it has some merit.

India can assail ones senses – all of them – with its cacophony of sounds, colors, and smells. The diversity of the country – in terms of language, culture and landscape – is difficult to grasp, and only adds to its mystery, and ultimately, culture shock. Often, I have found, people will hate it or love it (which is often how people seem to feel about “curry” too …), and the only way to have a good time in India is to embrace, unconditionally, all it has to offer (while keeping yourself healthy, of course).

Docking in Kochi was like a “soft landing.” It was probably the most culturally different and unfamiliar place that the majority of the students on our ship had ever visited. But some things were familiar, like Bollywood music and dancing (all a big hit on board when our three Indian interport students came on board). English was widely spoken, and the historic areas of Fort Kochi, with its old temples, churches, one synagogue and shops, were easy to walk around and negotiate.

The most aggressive situation the students had to deal with were probably the tuk-tuk drivers trying to get their business as soon as they cleared the security gate in front of our ship. But they seemed to manage all that quite well, and based on the numbers of students I saw the next day sporting intricate henna patterns, wearing kurtas and even a sari, I would say that they made good use of the favorable exchange rate, and had a good time.

Kochi has a long colonial history. But before the Portuguese took over in 1503, it was the Kingdom of Kochi. The Dutch battled the Portuguese for power in 1683, and not to be shut out of the lucrative spice trade, Britain arrived to capture its wealth in 1795, staying until 1948.

We had a full program of three excursions here, and for all of them Gary was faculty liaison. On Day 1, right after docking, we had a “Kochi on Bicycle” tour. On Day 2, we left early in the morning for the Hill Station of Munnar and the tea estates that are found at elevations of 5000 – 8500 feet above sea level. We would be there for three days, which would include two nights of camping and about a day and half of hiking. Then after we returned, we would have one free day and then on the final day, we were on a Village Crafts and Boating excursion.

All equipped with bike and helmet for our ride through the Fort Cochin area.

There we go...it was great to travel on our own power, without the bus being a barrier between us and the city.

This historic Fort Cochin area included many large estates that date to colonial times.
Kochi was first colonized by the Portuguese (1503), then the Dutch (1683) and finally the British (1795).

Another view of a fishing net structure. According to our guide, they "catch more tourists than fish" these days.

An artist (not an engineer...) who set up shop along the waterfront. 

Business was a little slow...good time to catch a nap.

The climate of Kerala is perfect for growing practically everything from vegetables and fruits to a wide variety
of herbs and spices. Spices bring much more income, so many choose to focus their efforts on spice crops.

The Dutch Cemetery

Street Imagery...

Huge quantities of timber was stored near the docks. As best we could surmise, most of it probably

Our village visit included spending some time in an elementary school. It was full of inquisitive and beaming children.

We couldn't help but disrupt their normal school day, but the teacher was good natured about it.
Some students were hesitant; others loved the distraction.

Such beautiful fresh faces.
If there is one reminder of our common humanity, it can be found in the faces of children throughout the world.

A khadi weaving factory. Khadi is the homespun cloth that Mahatma Ghandi popularized as a symbol
of India's pride and united push for independence.

The river figures prominently in village life.

A student shows the girls their photograph.

The women in the village were all busy at one job or another, weaving, washing clothes, beating rice, spinning cotton.

This traditional hand made boat would carry us on the river.

Jumping into the river to cool off after school....

It was hot (except in Munnar), the shopping was good and the food was wonderful, but finding an internet café was not as easy as I had hoped (hence the continued delay of my posts!). There are so many more places in south and central India that are still on my list of places to visit, so I am hoping that we will be back this way again.