The watch-keeping officers spent their time weaving through fishing fleets on our way to this Indian port on the west coast.  Arriving at the western end of a long, buoyed channel at 5:30 in the morning, already hot and muggy, we were told that the pilot would be waiting for us toward the eastern end and we happily navigated our way towards him.  He boarded, got his cup of tea and remained as ‘advisor’, in other words we did it all.  Making the last turn towards the berth it was noted that, briefly, we had 1m of water under our keel, (supposed to be at least 3, so methinks some dredging is called for). 

Tied up and the laborious process of Immigration began.  The Brits taught the Indians about paperwork, they learned well, only now there is even more of it…..  Visas are required here and they have to be obtained before arriving, passports and ID too; face-to-face inspections.  It was only when the last guest had been ‘cleared’ that crew could go through the process, so, having started at 7 a.m. the ship was eventually cleared some 3 hours later. 

Karen and I went off for some sight-seeing, we in a car, however many guests decided to have the thrill of doing it in tuk-tuks.  Off first to a basilica, originally built in 1505, it had been renovated by the British and bore little semblance to the original.  Nevertheless it was beautiful inside.

 On then to the Fort Kochi area where a church, built by the Portuguese, was part of their original settlement, in 1503.  Vasco da Gama died here in 1524 and was originally buried here, but after 14 years, his remains were taken to Lisbon.

 Outside, the inevitable ‘hawkers’ accosted Karen, while I remained at a discreet distance….. 😀 

 Staying in the Fort Kochi area, it was time to go and see the Chinese Fishing nets.  I was informed by one, wiry old gentleman that his net was original, over 600 years old and if I cared to make a small ‘donation’ I could go on it…..I declined.  The nets are stationary ‘lift’ nets.  Hawkers were out a-plenty here.

 Having walked a considerable distance in the oppressive heat, (32C/95F) it was time for a break and a bite to eat.  Our driver dropped us off at a nice (what he thought) restaurant, one look and we were back in the car……… Somewhere else was called for, Google came to the fore and lo, a lovely waterfront restaurant in a hotel, spotlessly clean, lush lawns and impeccable service. “When in Rome” as they say, so we both chose curry, I partook of a Tiger prawn delicacy and Karen a ‘Kerala Fish’ curry.  Both were extraordinary, spicy, (without blowing one’s head off) and delicately tasty.  Here’s mine below, the total cost? $22! for both.

I’m now going to put in some photos which I took during our ‘meanderings’.

Finally, a video, a compendium of the day.