1/22 I'll Fly Away

Up around 5 but we didn't regret it because we'd gotten to bed early. Since we'll stay at this hotel for several days after joining the tour, we were able to leave our cold weather clothes behind, lightening the load to Cochin where we are headed this morning and where it was 90 degrees yesterday. Since it's Saturday, the traffic fairly light although we had no time to spare once we arrived at the airport. Not to worry since we discovered that all air space was restricted for 2 hours to allow the military practice time for the upcoming India Republic Day. Joan and I are convinced that there is a level of organization in the country although it is not immediatly apparent to visitors. We were late into Cochin (aka Kochi) so immediately began our 4 1/2 hour journey to Thekkady and the Tiger Preserve. We like our driver very much although his English is limited. We all make do and smile a lot. He is accommodating, stopping whenever I iwish to take a photo. An interesting way to see a portion of the state of Kerala and lifestyle of the people here. Some challenges since we are traveling up into the mountains on 2 lane roads. There is one hell of a lot of passing, especially since the tuk tuks travel pretty slowly uphill, but our driver is skilled and quick to see things of interest. He pointed out rubber trees, coffee bushes and various spice trees. It's the start of festival season here and he kindly stopped for us to see a huge parade of the faithful moving across the highway to the courtyard of a large Catholic church. There were brightly colored saris and jeweled umbrellas moving to the rhythm of a beautiful chant. Spiritual Bollywood. The people in Kerala have a different look from those in Delhi - shorter in stature dark-complected and dressed traditionally. The women are stunning in their saris. Our journey rated a 10 after we saw not one, but two elephants walking with their keepers from one temple to another. We weary travelers reached our lush accommodations at Spice Village about 7:30 P.M. where we were met with fragrant leis and offered a buffet dinner. We want to see these beautiful grounds in the morning light but we leave at 6A.M. for our boatride on Lake Periyar so the viewing will wait until our return.