Justine and I went on a trip to Shoranur recently to see a concert of some regional women's folk dance called Kuratiyattam. It was really hot and I was getting over some kind of stomach bug which did not help me enjoy the performance. Luckily, we had permission from Kerala Kalamandalam to tape the performance for Justine’s ongoing research. Justine and I also watched some Mohiniyattam classes and were allowed to take a few pictures. I was feeling exhausted and my stomach was in dire straights so we left a bit early and headed to our friend David Smith’s luxurious house on the river for some R & R.
At David’s we were treated to gin and tonics and cashews on the veranda looking out on the river. A very English dinner of potato salad, boiled eggs, Russian salad and a side of mayonnaise. Quite a nice break from South Indian fare, actually.
The next day David, Raju, Raju’s youngest son, 5 year old Chootu, Justine, and I went on a drive on a rural road to go to a waterfall out in government forest land. The village we parked the car in was very small. Everyone was amazed at the foreigners stepping out of the car.To get to the waterfall we walked on a beautiful stonewall lined path with rubber tree plantations on either side. I was imaginint what a great mountain bike area this would be. On our way we met up with a couple of local boys and a
man who were happy to accompany us. Raju, a native Keralite, chatted with them in Malayalam. The waterfall was small, but a scenic spot overlooking the valley and distant hills. We were able to splash around in the falls and cool off. Unfortunately, this is a man-only type activity and Justine couldn't swim. Instead she lounged in the shade taking in the surroundings and enjoying the hot coffee and sweets David had packed along.
After splashing around in the falls the local boys and man offered to take us to a cave nearby on top of the hill. Raju and I agreed to go along. It was a steep 30 minute hike through some heavily forested area and some thick rubber plantations. We passed signs of a wild boar who had been rooting around for bugs and roots and a forest department campsite.
The cave was very dark and dank. Raju was very impressed, but since we had no light other than the flash on my camera our spelunking was quite limited. We then hiked back down and to the falls. We enjoyed the surroundings for another half hour and then headed back down to the car.
It was back to David’s for lunch and a nap. The late afternoon was passed playing with Raju’s two boys among the swarms if dragon flies and kingfisher birds.We spent another night there and then the next morning got a ride from David and Raju to Thrissur where we caught the train back to Ernakulum.
