Well, Calicut proves OK! Very busy business city, not a lot of shopping for non-Indians, but had good look round and met very nice and interesting bookseller in Christian and self-improvement bookshop. Terrific range of stuff - from text books to glow-in-the-dark Virgins - but really good conversation. Photo attached. He also gave us a commemorative coin for the local saint, Saint Alphonsa - must look up info on her!
Went to Beach Hotel for lunch (Somerset Maugham) and were a bit disappointed. Supposed to have all this atmosphere, but really rather boring, and not on the beach at all. Across the road, and rather dingy. Confess we had onion soup and fish and chips, which was strange but good. Restaurant isn't licensed, so no G & T! Lovely walk on gorgeous beach after; paddled along - lovely warm sea - and came back in tuc-tuc rather damp and sandy. Had intended to stay at Beach Hotel couple of nights after here, but decided not to bother. Will search out church South India and also view Moppila mosques tomorrow, then move on. Hot baths still wonderful, and staff here are lovely, so helpful. Worst thing is crossing road; often tempted to take taxi!
Oh apologies to next door - not Jain temple - Christian church - hopefully photo!
Great to receive your comments -keep them coming! Thanks Ian - bit early for us to be in Delhi, but will let you know if..... would be great to meet up!
ReplyDeleteCan almost feel the heat taste the food (perhaps I won't try to smell all the smells!?)but reading your posts is really bringing India to life for me. I alwayslook forward to the next instalment. Thanks
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!! Calicut must be good - same post several times lol!! = D
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