On the way home

We have had our final massage and our final lazy breakfast at a cafe along the Varkala cliff. This afternoon we start our long journey home. We take an overnight train to Chennai and spend tomorrow in Chennai before flying to Singapore and home.

I feel like my Indian journey is now complete, as yesterday on my trip into town I saw an elephant. Major excitement and a flurry of photographic activity ensued. Nelly was doing a spot of heavy lifting for her owner.

Tom also feels ready to leave India, as he has finally reached enlightenment, bursting out the yogic moves wherever he can.

It is very sad to be finishing our grand tour, especially when the last couple of weeks have been so enjoyably relaxing. But at the same time, over the last six months I have slept in 63 different beds, we have spent 16 nights on trains, and we haven't cooked our own food since 1 June. Man, I am going to enjoy that steak when I get home!

Relaxing in Kerala

The south of India is turning out to be exactly what we hoped - relaxing and restful, before we depart for home in a few days. The most exhertion I have had in the last week is reaching for a cool drink.

Our trip along the backwaters of Kerala was spectacular - a standout Indian experience. We were able to get a taste of village life (from the luxury of our boat) and a taste for the delicious Kerelan food, prepared by our onboard cook (below with the captain). It was the most delicious food we have had throughout India!

From the boat we spotted a couple of turtles, some Kingfishers (also drank a few), a snake slithering through the water, and some snake boat racing.

All along the banks, the women were out slapping their washing onto big stones to get it clean.

And how's this for a cheesy sunset!:

Now we are in Varkala, a beachside town. I had my first massage yesterday, and apparently I need to come every day while we are here. I have a feeling my masseuse might say that to everyone, however, I'm not one to disobey! There's not a lot of beach, and strong currents in the sea, but it is nice not doing much. This morning we watched the fisherman bring in their catch. Now I might go and read my book on the beach. We're certainly doing it tough.