I got a call from Alex today. I had my first dose of bloggers remorse as in my haste yesterday, I forgot to tell you about our Boxing Day. Plus I spelt a name wrong!!
Alex and I hung out at Molly's shop, which is under construction after 4 year arduous battle with tenants, but is filled with some real gems and she gave me parting gifts - in particular a lovely sandalwood strand to balance the heat. I love it.
Onwards to a fantastic restaurant where we feasted on so many delicacies. I've left my notebook back at my room so can't write the details now, but the pearl fish was really special. The lobsters just right. Then on to a house boat on the beautiful lake, we circumnavigated a lush island while I kicked my legs in the water. It was the most relaxing afternoon, which soon gave way to a dusky eve.
We wandered along the road until Alex saw the sign. Ah, the famous toddy shack! The locals make a coconut hooch that is best drunk whilst still sweet and only just brewed. It's taken from the fruit at the very top of the coconut tree and it was delicious.
I said I wanted to drink with the locals, but the waiter pointed us into a separate tourist shack where we ended up munching more lobster (seriously deliciously spicy and crunchy) and drinking toddy. The power cut could do nothing to dampen the spirits.
We then jumped on bus to town and raced back at breakneck speed, flying over the bumps. Such fun.
Yesterday I was lucky enough to finish my book and swap it immediately for my new favourite author's towering achievement - the novel A Suitable Boy. I remember Dooda loving it so when she read it, as did Mum. Their mutual love of India is definitely part of the reason I'm here - their photos and stories were always so colourful.
I managed to leave the book at Ram's store when I was buying a rainbow skirt (yes, yes I know, another one) and I was so relieved to be reunited with it today. I can't wait to really dive in and immerse myself in it's inviting pages. It's by the far the biggest tome I've ever had to haul around with me.
On my way to meet Kat yesterday, a palm reader called Sakar, who only seemed to have one tooth, mesmerised me and told me the most wonderful things. Apparently my planet is Mercury, though he mentioned Jupiter a lot. I'm going to have one marriage to a family man, live a healthy life until 85 or 87. Most of what he told me sounded bloody great, as I was swooning in the afternoon sun.
The Indians study astrology intensely. Although I'm Capricorn, my moon is Cancer and apparently it's more important than my sun sign.
Hearing the sound of the waves every day makes me resolute that I never want to live away from the ocean again. It's just too calming and soothing and divine for words. I need to get back to the Israeli's hammock. There are a bunch of guys living on the roof at Coconut Grove and they're a motley crew. Very toasty and friendly.
6 more hours until my day of birth. I am so honoured to be celebrating it here in Varkala.
I hope you have a magnificent new years eve.
See you in 2009.
Megaluv,
Lxxxx
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