Allepey Backwaters

From Kannur we arrived mid afternoon to Allepey. It is the northern access to the Kerala Backwaters. It was also the hottest place we have been so far - think melting!

Cruised around to try and figure out what cruise we wanted to do as anyone and everyone offering the same thing. Sorted a canoe tour for the next day and then missioned to Thaff for dinner - our favourite place so far on the tour for food (so good we went back the next night and i think we would have again if we stayed longer). Masala fish and chili paneer, curry fish and aloo gobi - all very spicy, flavoursome and so cheap. Both nights two mains, drinks, ice creams, rice and chapitis for 3.50 pounds.

Early morning start on our backwater canoe. Cruised for six hours through both main highways and smaller local water roads where you could see all manner of village life going on - all centred around the water. People washing clothes, themselves, dishes, fishing, diving for mussels, praying at mobile boat temples, brewing local booze. Canals surrounded by neverending rice fields. Both had a go at paddling to help our wee man out - was very hot v ery quickly. Turned into a three ice cream day with no trouble (and i wonder why i keep dreaming about ice cream!?!?!)

Headed to the beach in the afternoon for a swim to cool down and watched the sunset - lovely. Did both remark on the fact that although Indians seem to share every body function under the sun (spitting, nose picking, urinating, defacating, washing) that holding hands or kissing in public is a no no, you figure it out.

Decided to move on to the next location the next day as needed to be close to the beach in the stiffling heat, so hot we were struggling to breathe, talk about rivers of sweat - oh so attractive. So next morning saw us head to get some spices from the market, some snacks from the buhja man and sit in the shade until our train in the afternoon. Kept thinking how one of my lovely friends from work kept reminding me that when you are pregnant your body temp is 2degrees higher than normal - loving that in 39degree heat and very high hunidity - thanks christine!!