Sunday

Yesterday after I left you, we took the coach to Alappuzha, the Venice of Kerala for a reason.  The houseboats roam miles of waterways offering a close up insight to a way of life that fascinates and distrurbes all tourists. Here we see children and adult men, never women, bathing and swimming in the canel waters. Women wash clothes and everything else as well. Some of my images should give you a glimpse of what life is like for these people.

Everyone seems very happy and always smiling, and most are happy to be photographed, especially the children.

We split into threes per houseboat, and had our own waiter and cook, although this was only for the breakfast, as last night we moored all the boats together and had a wonderful meal on the rooftop of the largest boat. During the day Felipe had given each boat a project to photograph a theme of our choice, and present it to the group after dinner. Everyone did well, but of course we thought our theme 'Women on the Water' was the best.  After a few drinks and some impromptu dancing, I called it a night.

Today we had a five hour drive to Kumley to a lovely hotel. This afternoon we went (some of us) elephant washing, which  was great fun, and a good photo opportunity. Now back at the hotel I am relaxing with a per-diner drink before we go off for yet another meal at a local five star restaurant. Everyone said I would loose weight just eating vegetable curries, but we have had meat or fish every day, three themes a day, so the weight loss is not kicking in yet

I will let you know what the meal was like, but I am expecting an early night as we have to leave at 7am for safari boat trip. (Also have a 4.30 start Tuesday for a 'Sunrise Tutorial')  I thought this was a holiday . . . .