Saturday, Feb 29th, Kochi, India

Greetings!

Today, we spent in a fishing village (Kallencherry Island), and on a tour of Old Kochi.  In the middle of the coastal state of Kerala (translation:Land of Coconuts), there are miles of small lakes which contain fish and crabs and shrimp and coconuts.  There are also plenty of families who live off these rich resources.  Our Guide (Loyjohn) hosted us for a cruise, a demonstrations of their crafts, and a wondertful lakeside lunch.

Their pole net systems, and fishing boats are constructed using rope made from coconut husks and wood from jack fruit trees,  The roofs of their houses and the baskets they use are woven from coconut leaves.  And the family members who carry on these traditions generously demonstrated their skills to us.

In the afternoon, Maria took us for a tour of Old Kochi.  In St Francis Church, under huge woven fabric fans pulled by villagers with ropes through holes in the walls, she explained the history of Kerala, and the social structure of its society.  It was one of the most complete and informative lectures we've had, and provided much which will help us understand our views of India.

Inside the Church, we saw the first gravesite of Vasco de Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524, and who disrupted the earlier spice traders from China and the Middle East.   In 1663, the Dutch finally defeated the Portuguese.  In 1814, the British began their takeover to become the third and last colonial power over India.

To see all of the photos taken today, click on Saturday, Feb 29th, Kochi, India.