Around Cochin

Cochin is a mix of different architectures. You can see Portuguese and Dutch influence in some of the buildings. We went to see a museum in an old “palace”. It was pretty run down, but the murals on some of the walls were kind of interesting.

In the morning we walked around different parts of town and bought a few souvenirs. We also took several pictures of the streets and town life. The type of homes and luxuries that we have at home are almost totally absent here. So many places are in disrepair with rotted wood, or black mould and dirt stains. This is offset with vivid colours. I’ve seen hot pink, peacock blue, and orange homes. I also love the various vehicles on the road. There are Ambassador cars that look like they come from the 60’s and all kinds of little three wheeled trucks.

The other thing that I laugh at every time I see them is farm animals in the middle of town. A few days ago we saw goats sleeping on park benches, in Mysore we saw cows eating outside some shops, and we often saw a pony wandering down the sidewalk near where we were staying in Mysore. Goats seem to be most common in Cochin.

It is extremely hot here. So by mid-afternoon we had to come back for a shower and the air-conditioned comfort of our room. Almost all shops and restaurants are not air conditioned, and even first thing in the morning it’s hot. It is not only hot, but humid, so we really feel the heat. Within minutes of being outside we’re sticky. We are showering three times a day!

CM