I had a lot of technical issues yesterday, so didn’t go into much detail about what happened. The main thing is that we ended up in a much better situation. So when we left the other place it wasn’t a big argument but there were moments that felt a bit surreal.
One of the sons of the owners said that the insects were OK as their bite was a bit acidic and it would be fine. What a great expereince to be lying in bed have zillions of acidic bites.
The other thing was that we had categorically said that we would go to the other hotel under our own steam, as it was just down the road, in the centre of the town. The next thing we know they have somehow rung Param and he drives up. It felt like Param was disappointed in us, he said why didn’t we take another room which had been offered.
We were wary of that as that would have been the point of no return if that was similar.
This was the best decision we made that day. Although in the centre of town it was on a road paralell behind it, and nestled in greenery.
All I can say it was AMAZING!!
We were warmly welcomed by Adel, chilled drinks brought to us. Adel explainedthat he had lived in Dorset but the weather hadn’t suited him, which is no shock. We later found out that his wife is German and he is Eygptian. He has really friendly and enthusiastic in an infectious way, not a jarring way. The wifi code was called ‘keep smiling’ , which kind of sums up the experience.
An eco hotel, solar powered, there were so many touches that enhanced this ethos. Bee hives as we alked to our room. The hotel was bright and vibrant, with origina wall paintings throughout. Adel explained that they let volunteers stay there from around the world, who stayed for free but left their artwork imprinted on the walls.
We had a balcony and both sides looked out over trees and birdlife. He did say to be careful about monkeys! They are very cheeky, he said!
This was such a good choice. Originally I had thought being up on the hillside but being more central worked out perfectly. Maybe we needed this experience more.
We freshened up and headed to a bar I had read up about, which was just a few minutes walk away. Only literally a few miles from Tamil Nadu, Kerela is like a completely different world. So much cleaner, no beggars, everything structurally better. Param explained that everyone was more educated here, but I read about it later, the states have adopted different economic models, Kerala is more people centred, Tamil Nadu more money driven which benefits the few.
The Moose and Malt is a covered rooftop bar. We haven’t drunk here much, two reasons, no access and actually not wanting to. The heat doesn’t always make you think of having a drink.
But here it felt different. Chilled beer glasses and a KIngfisher beer, with a bowl of ‘hot chips’ with fried curried leaves. That beer tasted like the best beer I had ever had, much needed. In the background 70s and 80s videos on the big screen. It was strange to be listening to ABBA, drinking beer at the top of a building in beautiful Thekkady.
We had tickets booked for a traditional dance show. I don’t think I have laughed so much and for so long for ages. We experienced Kerala’s rich heritage through a captivating performance of Kathakali’s mesmerizing art form. Kathakali is renowned for its elaborate, mask-like makeup, vibrant costumes, and stylized gestures. It combines storytelling (often from Hindu epics), music, and precise, silent acting to portray the battle between good and evil. A lot of facial movements.
The first part of the show was an explanation of the art form, one which takes years to perfect and is normally passed down through the family to continue with. Lots of strange exaggertated facial movements. Towards the end of this they got a few women up onto the stage to try to do what the dancer/ actor did. Which obviously ended up in a lot of laughter.
When they left the stage the dancer/actor set his sights on Pete. There was no way he could say no. He went, gamely trying to emulate to facial movements and gestures.
He was very good!
After this we did a bit of shopping and went back to the bar. It would have been rude not to as we walked past it.
The vibe had completely changed, cricket on the big screen and beating techno music. I really enjoyed this. More beers and delicious momos.
Getting back to the hotel we decided to have a midnight swim, which was at 10 o’clock. We were the only ones there. Magical!
Random Acts of Travelling 