Monday
Last nights meal was again good. A large restaurant used by mainly by locals. We had a set meal of many different dishes. I must write some of them down as I have never seen or tasted the likes of them in the UK, especially the pan fried Orca.
Yesterday we visited a vast wildlife park for a boat ride (with 500 other visitors) on a magnificent lake. We set off around 7am and the whole area was shrouded in mist. Dozens of thin tree trunks varying in size protruded from the water, making the approaching scene look very eerie.  Cormorants nest precarasouly on the top of these rigid poles defying gravity.  Although there was the promise of a possible sighting of elephants, and maybe tigers, we had to settle for a lonely wild boar.
The only other eligible animal were the many monkeys running around the main compound and car parks causing havoc. Very cute.

After lunch we had the chance to roam around Kumley town on a photo project, Street Life.  This was an excellent opportunity to interact with locals and film, up close, all that is colourful and vibrant. Everyone was happy to be photographed, although the idea was not to have everyone posing. Old people and children are the obvious subjects, but many of the young women wear beautiful coloured saris and make excellent subjects.  Tomorrow evening we will have a show of all our efforts and be critically judged by Felipe on our progress so far.

Last night we went to an amazing performance of Kalari. Four men performed martial arts from sword fighting and fire dancing, to extreme movements in dexterity. (See photo)
Audience participation  was encouraged, and one of our girls became part of a human hurdle.

Just for a change we went Italian last night, but many of the dishes, especially the salads still had a distinct Inidan flavour.

Now we  are journeying even higher to our next destination to visit the tea plantations and spice factories in Munnar. Wednesday morning we have the early Sunrise tour, leaving at 4.30am.  My next blog maybe late while I catchup on some sleep.

So far the holiday has lived up to my expectations, and with ten days still to go I am looking forward to seeing many more wonderful places and people.
 
PS: I am writing this sitting on my balcony at 7.30am and through the silence of the morning I am hearing  a choir from across the road at the local Catholic Church. Although mainly Hindu, this region seems to be high in Christians and many cars, taxis and shops are adorned with Christian symbols.
 
PPS: Sorry about any spelling errors. I am writing either late at night or early morning.....can't be perfect all the time.