Exploring the unexplored

by Pallavi Chaubey (India)

Making a local connection India

I woke up to the mild rays of the sun and gentle breeze on a busy Monday morning which is otherwise a dream in a city like Mumbai. Kochi - I was finally at a place where mornings were peaceful and the only sound you could hear was bird calls. Although, we travelled as a group of five, we all were separated to explore the 'Queen of Arabian Sea' in our own ways. 'No two travellers have the same start!' , was something that made me believe that exploring the place on your own was more interesting than travelling in groups. I decided to take a morning walk along the lush green pathway that lead to the old temple of Lord Karthik. A peaceful long walk accompanied by the chatter of young south Indian girls in typical white saree at every corner was bliss to the eyes. I decided to venture into the streets to try the typical breakfast - idli, dosa , sambhar and chutney. It was a wholesome breakfast enough for me to survive till lunch! Wandering on the streets of Kochi, was a familiar aroma of gajra - a Garland made of small, fragrant white flowers, which injected the environmental with peace and tranquility. I came across a man , a local journalist, who was enthusiastic to show me Kochi in all ways possible. Here , I was, making a local connection! Brightly colored quaint houses replace the leafy face of the city and look like a big Malayalam movie set. Many street sign boards proudly proclaim, " God's own country." The paved , narrow lane of Burgher Street is feast to the eyes! We decide to first visit the St. Francis Church, famous for resting place of Vasco da Gama after his death. That was the start, we visited quite a few ancient churches before reaching a former Danish tavern and a cemetery. That's was enough to fall in love with Kochi. The whiff of cool , fresh air, the lush green landscape, a bright yet peaceful day , the salted raw mango strips are added bonuses. The audible sound of my stomach reminds me that lunch is due. Being a pure vegetarian it was difficult to find a place where I would get served a complete vegetarian menu. However, we decided to try that was something new to me. " Come sir, I will show you, change my name if you didn't lick your fingers after trying this!" The confidence itself spoke that whatever I was going to try was really delicious. I was served chicken and fish! Unknowingly, I did try, and believe me! It tasted heaven! Being a pure vegetarian and try non veg for the first time was an amazing experience! We decided to visit the Kathakali theater where on arrival I came across dancers getting ready for their performances. Two men in mundus( Kerala's version of dhoti) sitting on the stage and applying makeup meticulously transform over an hour into flawless mythical characters. The dance was perfect with mudras and classical music and represented Kerala in a whole different manner. Post the dance session I was taken to Fort Kochi and Mattancherry , an area having the famous Jewish synagogue , a vibrant masala market and some trendy art cafés. The best way to explore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry is by walking. By the time I was out of the Fort, the streets are near- empty . Shops are about to close, a few eateries are buzzing with guests and the the long road empties into a darkness where the waters of Arabian Sea flow silently. Next morning, I will see fishermen biking their way to the market, egrets watching to catch fishes and I will sit near the backwater sipping the traditional coffee and feeling the effect of Cochin- a city that's gorgeous even on an ordinary day. The best part would be meeting together with different memories, five different perspectives of Cochin. They say never look back while returning, looking back , calls you back! I wish to revisit Cochin, on again an ordinary day but to take back much more memories than this time, because, it's all about collecting!