Archive for March, 2009
Vegan Toothpaste
By Thomas on March 20, 2009 | No Comments »
Finally, toothpaste that doesn’t contain cow lips or pig tails. Bon appétit!
Western Ghats
By Tony on March 18, 2009 | 1 Comment »
As we move into the Western Ghats, the mountain range that runs down the west coast of India, we wanted to show you some of the beautiful tea plantations that fill the valleys.
We are working our way to Periyar National Park for some trekking. We’ll keep you updated. Cross your fingers for some gaur, wild Indian buffalo.
3,18,38,619 People
By Tony on March 16, 2009 | No Comments »
Just a little bit of trivia, 3,18,38,619 is the population of Kerala as of the official 2001 census.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, what on earth is going on with Tony’s commas? What kind of number is that? Well, the above number highlights a rather bizarre aspect of Indian English. 3,18,38,619 is read three crore 18 lakh thirty-eight thousand six hundred and nineteen.
Native English speakers are often shocked to discover » Continue reading this post »
Kerala Backwaters
By Thomas on March 14, 2009 | No Comments »
Most visitors to Kerala will, at some point, explore the many waterways leading from fishing villages on the coast to settlements far inland. The backwaters can be explored on simple canoes, public ferries, fancy houseboats or a combination of the above. We decided to step it up a notch and, for a day, luxuriate on a posh houseboat taking in the scenery while munching on pineapple and grapes.
Modeled like a traditional rice barge from the outside, the inside of our houseboat was top-notch with three polished wooden bedrooms, a large dining room, and an upstairs viewing area. Not too shabby.
Follow along as we take off from Alleppey and explore Kerala’s lakes and narrow canals with French couples Gaelle and Julien, and Camille and Benjamin. Voilà !
Communists and Christians
By Tony on March 12, 2009 | No Comments »
Visitors to Kerala tend to notice two things (other than coconuts) which occur here in abundance and set the state apart from the rest of India. These would be Communists and Christians.
Now generally, in most of the world, Jesus doesn’t tend to be surrounded with hammers and sickles. Dare I say Communists and Christians haven’t had the best relationship historically? But not so in Kerala. And don’t mistakenly think that Kerala is some » Continue reading this post »
