January 23 What Goes Up....

After the boat ride, we returned to our lodgings at Spice Village and its very beautiful grounds. We enjoy breakfast with exotice dishes, fruit and a tasty cinnamon yogurt. Now into the car for the 4 1/2 hour trip back down the mountain to Cochin. No small amount of dozing and we end at the Malabar Hotel where we're lead to our room dominated by one large bed. Ah... and the other bed would be? Were we not supposed to notice? There is some explanation as to why the 2-bed room was not available and we stand there looking at each other. Finally Joan says, "Can a bed be brought in?" so they roll in a cot which Joan will sleep on, bless her. After a bit we head out for a walk in the immediate area which includes a trip through the local bazaar ending at the water. I feel a little strange bein on our own, but no one pays too much attention to us. There are lots of people, lots of skinny animals, and lots of merchants eager to ply their wares. Back at the hotel we dine alfresco and are asleep by 9 P.M., party animals that we are.