We have had a busy few days and are in the process of packing to leave for Kumarakom tomorrow. The cricket watching did not go well as the cafe could not get a signal but we were kept informed of the score .
Yesterday we wanted to visit the temple of Sri Narayana Guru, who was a local philosopher and social reformer. The temple itself was quite plain but the whole atmosphere surrounding the place was really peaceful and the whole idea of the guru's ideas on equality for all, as well as his ideas about all religion being open to everyone and in fact being less important than doing good were echoed everywhere. He was a big hero of the current Dalai Lama who visited the ashram in November this year. We were advised to arrive at the temple in time for lunch, which consisted of various small portions of curry, pickles and rice served on a banana leaf.We were waited on by residents of the ashram in a huge dining hall full of local people and worshippers - a fantastic experience and the best way to eat traditional Keralan food.
Today we headed out bright and early for a backwaters tour-something that Kerala is famous for. We started our tour near to Chenganassery and travelled on a punted canoe through lots of narrow canals. Our guide and 'punter ' also saw how hungry we were before the trip started so invited us for a home cooked breakfast at his family home, a great way to start the day. We saw comorants, herons and kingfishers along the way, local people going about theirr daily lives and generally just soaked up the amazing scenery and slow lapping of the water. Liz had a go at punting herself which was a success, despite hurting her knee, she also bravely swam in one of the lagoons which was impressive. I sat and relaxed.
Yesterday we wanted to visit the temple of Sri Narayana Guru, who was a local philosopher and social reformer. The temple itself was quite plain but the whole atmosphere surrounding the place was really peaceful and the whole idea of the guru's ideas on equality for all, as well as his ideas about all religion being open to everyone and in fact being less important than doing good were echoed everywhere. He was a big hero of the current Dalai Lama who visited the ashram in November this year. We were advised to arrive at the temple in time for lunch, which consisted of various small portions of curry, pickles and rice served on a banana leaf.We were waited on by residents of the ashram in a huge dining hall full of local people and worshippers - a fantastic experience and the best way to eat traditional Keralan food.
Today we headed out bright and early for a backwaters tour-something that Kerala is famous for. We started our tour near to Chenganassery and travelled on a punted canoe through lots of narrow canals. Our guide and 'punter ' also saw how hungry we were before the trip started so invited us for a home cooked breakfast at his family home, a great way to start the day. We saw comorants, herons and kingfishers along the way, local people going about theirr daily lives and generally just soaked up the amazing scenery and slow lapping of the water. Liz had a go at punting herself which was a success, despite hurting her knee, she also bravely swam in one of the lagoons which was impressive. I sat and relaxed.
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