India 2023

I did try to do this whilst I was in India just a week ago – but failed, so I am making up for it by writing a travelogue now.  Lots of my lovely customers ask me where I went, where I stayed and where I recommend so I will pop those details in too, along with some photos which I hope give some idea of the wonderful places I visited and some of the people I met too.

We flew Emirates, changing Dubai and it was, as ever, a long day – but the sight of the sun rising over India kept me glued to the window whilst everyone else was dozing – it is my own little ritual and as soon as I see the first glow of light I know I am about to embark on another Indian adventure!

We were met at Kochi airport by the Kuonis rep – and our very good friend and wonderful driver Joshy, who has kept us safe on the unpredictable (I am being kind)  Indian roads for a number of years – he should be called Mr Unflappable as nothing ever phases him and he is endlessly patient when I want to stop and take photos too!

Day one was recovery mode at CGH Earth’s delightful hotel in Kochi, Brunton Boatyard.

It is, as its name suggests, on the waterfront so cooling breezes blow in and you can sit on your balcony drinking the loose leaf tea provided in your room and watch the water –  dolphins, dredgers, fishing boats, a naval vessel proceeded by a motorboat waving a red flag – yes really,  and, rather unbelievably, a small coracle that appears most mornings to fish in these busy waters!

A dip in the pool, an excellent meal in the hotels History restaurant where a diligent chef has collected recipes from some of the many communities that have settled in Kochi, trading spices, making rope and the myriad of other pieces of a very old jigsaw that is Kochi and a very good nights sleep completed day 1.