Day 18: Mon 27 Nov 17 - Kochi, 25 km - total so far: 1,061 km

November 27, 2017

26 to 32 deg, 75% humidity, a late afternoon shower.

Met Bob, Phil and Ken in the foyer for a pre-brekky walk to the fish market, where they lay out their catch from overnight on very dodgy tarps and sell via an auctioneer. Not sure it would pass the health standards back home, although we’ve had very little instances of tummy problems on the whole trip. That is despite the stories you hear about India, Delhi belly and the like. Anyway the fish market was interesting with some nice looking seafood changing hands.

Since the year 2000, Kochi has revitalized its economy, with a focus on tourism, information technology and the port. There’s definitely signs that they are making good headway, but they have a fair amount of work yet to be done. When you consider that the formation of the State of Kerala only occurred in 1957, and Kochi has been the commercial capital as well as the seat of the Kerala High Court since that time, they’re doing okay. Back to the hotel for our rooftop breakfast of toast, jam, fresh fruit, a scrambled omelette thingy and good tea/coffee.

Some of the Team have missed the bikes over the last couple of days so Mike generously offered his bikes to us for the day. After brekky we reattached some of our gear and with Trio from the UK Team, went for a ride. It was great to be back on a bike. What a great ride we had, discovered some fantastic antique/curio shops, hotels which were also museums and smells, some good some not so pleasant. First stop was the Spice Market where tonnes of turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cloves, pepper, onions, garlic etc are traded every day. What a beautiful aromatherapy experience to be amongst all that great smelling spice, herbs and associated veg.

It was then on to the Paradesi Jewish Synagogue a few km out of town along the coast. It was first built in 1568 for the Jewish community of Kochi (then Cochin). The word “Paradesi” means foreigner in many Indian languages. It was great to go inside to see the enormous number of chandeliers. Not sure of the significance.

Had a wonderful tea/coffee at a local cafe and watched the cooking of a small whole fish. If you pick your cafe/restaurant wisely there’s no problem with hygiene.

Back to the hotel to, once again, take pedals and saddles off and stow the bikes for the last time. My bike, Scott Aspire, while not a flash model by any means, certainly did the job and performed without fault.

By the time I had sorted out my packing and had another wander it was time for dinner. Bob, Phil and I (Ken had left for his flight home) shared 3 chicken dishes, Kerala, Malabar and Butter with the local bread, Porotta. What a wonderful meal to finish off a real interesting and rewarding tour, loved every minute.

Time to pack and get an hour or so sleep before flying out tomorrow morning at 4:30am.