I woke up to a view of the water and wildlife all around. It was utterly enchanting. I felt really at peace with the world (it won’t last). I went out on deck to find Karin and Phillip already up. They are such easy company. I really couldn’t have chosen better people to do this with. I felt really happy and content. You can imagine my glee when I realised for breakfast we were having eggs. There were 3 of us and they served up 9 eggs. As you know, I love an egg but 3?? Come on, even I think that’s excessive. To be fair I still couldn’t get my head around the fact that people just brought us stuff. I felt so grateful I would have eaten anything that they served.
The day was just perfect. It feels like I was in a different world. India is the noisiest, most bonkers place on the earth but being on the backwaters feels like you are in a paradise world. It is genuinely like being in a BBC nature programme. Everywhere you look there is something beautiful and awe inspiring. My face actually hurt from smiling so much. I just wished that all the people I love could see all these things too. My Grandad, god rest his soul, would have thought that this was perfect. I hope you can see it from where you are Granddad.
Along the way we saw a dragon boat race. It was pretty amazing. Some of the boats are enormous. They hold 102 people (so, I’m told. I lost count after about 7). It was like a carnival on the water. For miles people were out of their villages, lining the water edge, waving at the boats. It felt amazing to be part of it. It also appeased my constant desire for attention. These are the times when I fall in love with India. They’re also the times where it just feels great to be alive. At that time there was no where else in the world I would have rather been. They may be few and far between, but when these moments come along they are so wonderful that they will be permanently etched on my mind and soul.
When I didn’t think the day could get any better Phillip got his ukulele out (not a euphemism). It was so much fun. We all sang along (me badly) to all sorts of shit. I felt so comfortable with them that this felt like the most natural thing in the world. Generally I would have to be on my 2nd bottle of wine before contemplating signing. Phillip sang Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka and I thought I would burst with happiness. My Dad loves Neil Sedaka and used to play this song in the car. It is so dear to my heart. It was the perfect day and I went to bed with a very happy heart.
We eventually arrived at Alleppey on Monday morning and reluctantly made our way to the station. Within seconds you are abruptly reminded that you are still in India. The noise sounds almost deafening after a whole weekend of peace. I was sad to say goodbye to Karin and Phillip but I felt like this weekend had restored my faith in India, life, everything. I felt rejuvenated and ready to get on with things. You never know, I might even stop moaning.
The day was just perfect. It feels like I was in a different world. India is the noisiest, most bonkers place on the earth but being on the backwaters feels like you are in a paradise world. It is genuinely like being in a BBC nature programme. Everywhere you look there is something beautiful and awe inspiring. My face actually hurt from smiling so much. I just wished that all the people I love could see all these things too. My Grandad, god rest his soul, would have thought that this was perfect. I hope you can see it from where you are Granddad.
Along the way we saw a dragon boat race. It was pretty amazing. Some of the boats are enormous. They hold 102 people (so, I’m told. I lost count after about 7). It was like a carnival on the water. For miles people were out of their villages, lining the water edge, waving at the boats. It felt amazing to be part of it. It also appeased my constant desire for attention. These are the times when I fall in love with India. They’re also the times where it just feels great to be alive. At that time there was no where else in the world I would have rather been. They may be few and far between, but when these moments come along they are so wonderful that they will be permanently etched on my mind and soul.
When I didn’t think the day could get any better Phillip got his ukulele out (not a euphemism). It was so much fun. We all sang along (me badly) to all sorts of shit. I felt so comfortable with them that this felt like the most natural thing in the world. Generally I would have to be on my 2nd bottle of wine before contemplating signing. Phillip sang Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka and I thought I would burst with happiness. My Dad loves Neil Sedaka and used to play this song in the car. It is so dear to my heart. It was the perfect day and I went to bed with a very happy heart.
We eventually arrived at Alleppey on Monday morning and reluctantly made our way to the station. Within seconds you are abruptly reminded that you are still in India. The noise sounds almost deafening after a whole weekend of peace. I was sad to say goodbye to Karin and Phillip but I felt like this weekend had restored my faith in India, life, everything. I felt rejuvenated and ready to get on with things. You never know, I might even stop moaning.
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