Beautiful scenery and lots to eat are the memories of our train trip to Kerala. We were going for the weekend of the Nehru Snakeboat Trophy race, but a phone call the day before established that we were going to get nowhere near the scene of the race unless we paid an extortionate amount for a boat, or sat for hours in the boiling sun. Security was going to be tight as Sonia Gandhi was attending. So our host to be suggested we watch the race on TV instead - a very satisfactory option.
Our home for the weekend was Philipkuttys Farm, a beautiful island homestay on the lake. Luckily the taxi journey there from the station took us past a boat yard where they were preparing the winning boat from last year's race - so our driver stopped and introduced us to the owners. We got to have a good look at it, and contribute towards the fund which pays the 100 rowers for the two weeks they must spend away from work preparing for the race. Unfortunately it didn't help them much as another village took the trophy this year, but it was exciting to watch 'our' boat lose! It was also very hot, and we were very glad we hadn't opted for sitting for hours in the stands. the TV room at the farm, with a cool ginger and lemon drink was a much better option!
Such a relaxing weekend, we got a guided tour around the farm, collected nutmegs, betel nut and pepper off the trees and topped it off with a sunset cruise! What a way to spend a weekend.
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