We've arrived. November 5th

November 5th

We arrived early this morning, safe and sound after a long, but never very boring, series of flights.

After 28 hours of travel with only sketchy naps, we were revitalized by the view of the approach into Kochi. Quite quickly we went from dark to light and then we could make out the western ghat mountain range rising out of the clouds on the horizon. Suddenly the mist was gone and we could see the brilliant green landscape of Kerala, divided into sections of palm and banana forests and intricate patterns of agricultural lands, all intersected by meandering rivers.

The new terminal at Kochi airport is beautifully appointed with marble floors and huge glass walls. At 7am on a Sunday it is very serene place. We breezed through customs and immigration, changed in to short sleeve shirts, ordered a prepaid taxi and headed out into India. The intensity hit us immediately as we walked by a throng of people crowded against the railing in the 30C heat, presumably waiting for arriving relatives, and on towards the confusion of vehicles jockeying for possible customers. On the 40 min drive to our hotel, Kathleeen marvelled at the liberty of no seatbelts, Rob asked why drivers honk the horns all the time, and Ann tried to let the driver know we were not in a rush as he weaved through busses, trucks, rickshaws and countless motorbikes. With all the windows open we could feel the heat, humidity and all the smells of the tropics.

Everyone we have encountered in India has been so friendly and helpful, even if we are not quite sure what they are saying. The Renaissance is a middle level business hotel, sort of an Indian Ramada, with a delightful pool and garden, which we headed for as soon as we could unpack our bathing suits. After a refreshing swim and a huge brunch of scrambled eggs, sausages, idlies with two very spicy curry sauces and masses of fresh pineapple, the jet lag hit hard and we crawled into our A/C rooms at noon for a short nap.