Today starts with a Tuk-tuk ride through Fort Kochi to the Main Boat Jetty. The three wheeled tuk-tuk is bumpy, fast and weaving through the traffic and pedestrians, but I feel safe because it has a roll-bar.
At the ticket counter, there are separate windows and queues for men and ladies. I think this may be because ladies have a higher status in the Royal family and this has trickled down to having their own queue for ferry tickets. It also ensures that the habitual pushing in and jostling in queues here does not result in unseemly and inappropriate shoving around of the men.
The ferry to Ernakulam takes about 20 minutes and costs two and half ruperts, about 3p. But it is worth it. The Marine Drive promenade is a wide walkway along the waters’ edge of this larger island. It is a popular hangout and meeting place for the local populace and there is lots of interesting stuff going on here!
It is Ladies Arts Week. They have attached a 100 metre long plain white banner to the wall for the ladies to do their art-work. Some striking stuff already done and more being added as I walk by. These ladies are painting a tree.
Then to Broadway. No musicals and not broad, but a must for anyone visiting Kochi. A bustling narrow street packed with tiny shops selling everything.
A myriad of side streets, alleyways, passageways, street markets and covered markets, selling anything and everything, you could walk around here all day and not see it all.
Some of the shops with tiny frontages go back 50 metres, with the narrowest of passages down the middle packed with the shop’s particular products on the floor, walls and ceiling.
If there is any pot you need for your kitchen, this shop has it in every shape and size.
There is acres, sorry hectares, of fruit, veg. and spice markets, retail and wholesale, mostly tucked away behind the main shopping street. They are quiet at this time of day, it is afternoon and most market purchases are made early mornings.
I’ve walked miles so now it’s back to Jasmin’s for dinner.
All the Best, John
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