Everywhere we’ve gone in India – the people have been very friendly and happy to see us. Many want to take their picture with us and ask where we’re from.
We disembarked from the houseboat around 10am and began our journey to Cochin (also known as Heritage Town). Cochin has a great deal of history with the Portuguese, Dutch and British. This area is still in the state of Kerala.
It was easy to see much of the historical attributes of Cochin as soon as we checked into our hotel – Fort Heritage. The hotel had a history also and had evolved from a Dutch Palace (1668) to a building for the British Navy (1796) to a residence for various owners from 1874 to 1945 when it was purchased by the Matthews family who later converted it into a hotel (1995).
Our tour of Cochin started at the St. Francis church renovated in 1779. Next we visited the Archeological Museum which was originally the Mattancherry Palace. The museum contained a complete history of the royalty of India before they gained independence. There are HUGE 12 feet by 10 foot oil paintings of several kings that had ruled along with artifacts related to the royal families. No pictures were allowed inside.
After that – we visited a Jewish synagogue in the city built in 1568 (again – no pictures), but the building was amazing. The floor had hand-painted tiles imported from China. The pulpit was made of brass and there was a brass staircase and columns inside.
Next, we went to the coastline to see the Chinese fishnets and the fish market. The people had the fish set out fresh for sale by “auction” every day. They lower the fishnets into the sea, wait for 10 minutes, then lift them up and harvest whatever seafood is inside which may include a wide variety – including crabs, silver fish, muscles and more.
Later, we drove by the old Dutch cemetery established in 1724 before attending the Kathakali Dance performance. Before the performance, we watched the makeup being applied carefully. Kathakali is all about body movements and facial expressions – no talking. So the makeup is very elaborate. Next, they did a demonstration of the eye movements. Then – the actual story dance.
To top off the evening – we had dinner with Eleonore Aubry’s in-laws. We were SO lucky – they live right next door to the Fort Heritage Hotel (what are the chances of that?!). So, Mr. Cleetus came over to the hotel and walked us back to there house for nice dinner and ice cream. We stayed and visited for about an hour and had a wonderful time with them!!
This was a VERY full day – off to bed for some rest.
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