Alone, not lonely.

In my solitude , I carry your words;

Sift through the secrets spilled.

I stand witness to the time

we wished didn’t  fly,

To all that was said, unsaid and left in half,

Memories  and flashbacks, stacked in two ply.

Stop by and sit down.

Listen, say,  speak or just think

Count those loud heart beats

And seal an eternal link.

This minute,  this second

Is not here to stay.

Make it count, make it yours,

While I stand testimony, the Stone in Grey.

There is a weird comfort in these  curtain upholstered buses with a sticker of  Aishwarya Rai’s eyes stuck on the mirrors. The women occupy the first few seats only and the new ones who board huddle around the ones seated with no attempt to move towards the rear seats. Its suddenly a sisterhood . The ones standing  hand over their bags to the seated ones and casual conversation about the weather and rush ensues.

This rattling away of the forth coming stops gradually downsized like the 100 green bottles rhyme. Come Udupi, I failed to recognise  the place. Wide roads and multibrand stores  replaced the size zero waist of Kalsanka. The easy ride without breath holding spells saped the adventure out. In the bygone days, the landscape from udupi to manipal was so distinct. The plains of Kunjibettu would gradually morph into the curve around Indrali and then the trailer of the coming soon slope at Laxmindranagar to the only first  gear slope to reach Manipal.

The old play peek a boo with me.  Tiger circle, Manipal news agency, Manipal store , Shantala, Amita bakery , Dollops, Ice land reassure me that the Manipal I knew still waits to reach out from behind  facade of the new.

I looked out of the window like I didn’t hear .
…..If you never try, you’ll never know….. played the radio in the background, as if it was a sign.

Eventually,  I did give Kochi a try.

She welcomed me arms wide open.  I was reluctant.

I told myself, I like  places which have histories. Kochi asked me to choose from Portugese, Dutch, English  and Indian.
I said “I like nature “. Kochi rolled out my options; beach,backwaters, paddy fields and coconut grooves.
” Food “. Kochi handed me a menu card that ran into volumes.
“Creative spirit “. I was led to the most  beautiful galleries of art, musical shows, poetry, cartooning and so much more.
“People“. She showed me my friend from different walks  of life.
“I am sure you can’t convince me about my career ” I said , hoping to score a home run. And I was led to my dream job.
“And Vacation” I said.  Kochi listed herself in the 50 places of lifetime.

I held the outreached hand.

Sitting by the walkway of Fort Kochi beach,”I love you”, he said again.
“I love Kochi” I smiled back.

….Lights will guide you home…..Coldplay sang ” Fix you ” again, as if on cue.

Pic courtesy : weheartit.com

At that time, Will quotes like ” Count your blessings” ,” God has a better plan” and the likes, hold any meaning at all ?
It is that time when you don’t know what your blessings are , the life that you had or what you have remaining .

A budding surgeon , a loving father and a hopelessly romantic husband , Dr. George Jacob, found himself at the receiving end of the whims and fancies a thrombus in his carotids. He was stroke struck and required prolonged medical, surgical and rehabilitative interventions. These events led to a great deal of introspection and sifting through the leaves of memory book and thus Kaleidoscope of a stroke survivor took shape.The surgeon had traded his scalpel for a pen. And How.

Revisiting memories , in my opinion, is a form of healing. Going back into the days of the balmy comfort of childhood, feisty days of college , dark days of losses and the brighter days that follow , all help in comforting the mind and coming to terms with the present. There is no running away from what we go through day after day.

Dr. George has described well the tribulations and triumphs on his road to recovery in his book. The humorous episodes and trying ones are well distributed through out the book . When you finish reading it , you are left with a sense of awe and respect for life and not pity.

I am glad Dr. George Jacob has taken to blogging. Looking forward to reading his stories and posts at Writer By Chance.

After reading this book I realized that blessings we count are the ones who surround us at the darkest of times.

But knowing about Kochi before hand, might ease such worries.

This of course doesn’t substitute for the regular checklist that moms and dads have .

1. Food : As it seems sensible to carry the food children as used to eating and in accordance to their allergies, whims and fancies, the local cuisine is a healthy fare. Idli, Vada, Idiyapam, Puttu, Dosa are all made from a well balanced proportion of carbohydrates and protein and are steamed. Therefore hygienic.
2. Hydration: Water , tender coconut water will help children stay fresh as they prance about the streets.
3. Light Summery clothes will be perfect most of the time, though Rainy season may warrant a raincoat and tad bit warmer clothes.
4. Mosquito Repellent : Please carry abundantly and apply generously.
5. Hats for the little heads.

Keep them busy.

1. Activites : Back water cruising, fishing , boating are some of the  non-mall-activities that kids would love .
2. Museums are plenty in Kochi: Older children might enjoy a little history (fingers crossed) and a good place to start for the little ones.
3. Beach : Sun, Sand and Kids :A perfect recipe for a vacation. However , don’t let the Sun in Kerala fool you.
4. Kathakali: Children will love/ get scared of depending on their age but will never forget a Kathakali performance. If you go ahead of the show time you can catch up on the artists applying their makeup. I shall not be held responsible if they try their own paint makeup soon after
5. Elephant Training Camps and village visits are a regular feature , but in the villages around Kochi and not fort Kochi per se.
6. Temple festivals: Temples around Kochi are in celebration mode almost all around the year, though may not be on a grand scale. Find out from locals, auto wallahs who will readily ferry you around.
7. Events in Kochi : Are updated regularly on  Hangout Kochi. I once caught up with such a beautiful play in David Hall for kids. Keep your eyes open!

Help them build a scrap book or a memory box of the things they find, like the museum tickets, shells , train tickets and the like .

Stress on the need to consciously choose eco – friendly options (a plenty in Kerala) and support ethically sourced products. Its a small way to give back to the cottage industries around. More real footprints and less Carbon foot prints.

Volunteering for a cause at the place of visit might interest kids. Its a good way to take home memories and leave behind moments for others as well.

As parents on a tour, we often decide to stay put and worry more about their routine . DON’T. It’s a matter of few days.Take them around, different modes of transport as per your comfort. Try the boat, cycle around with them or just plain old -walk (may include piggy back rides for the kiddos! You are warned!) But do as much as you can. The fatigue will wear out (sooner or later !) and you will have just pure memories!

So stop reading and plan the next trip to Fort Kochi with your little traveller.!

The Cochin Art Cube is a group of like minded artists who have come together for art`s sake.

.

Cochin Art Cube has raised the power of art to much more than three.

As we eagerly wait for the new works to surprise us, we’ll miss the ones that have been a part of our morning jogs, evening strolls, cycling routes and our selfies.

Souvenirs from the Biennales gone by.

Maja Ma.

Jai ShriKrishna.

If you hear this in  Kochi, you must be on Gujarati Road. There is Little Gujarat right here.

In the late 1800s, traders from Gujarat, came to Kochi and settled here. They were mainly businessmen who dealt in spice trading. With their sharp business acumen and impeccable trading skills, they flourished. Many factors contributed to their growth. The local were fisherman and did not perceive the new comers as a threat to their lively hood. The Europeans were going gaga about spices from India and the traders benefited well. While most Gujaratis are Hindus, there are Jains and Bhora Muslims also who hail from there.

However, compared to the other immigrants, the Gujaratis have managed to keep their customs, traditions and culture from dissolving. They have managed to withstand the threat of their losing identity. A study done showed that their festivals, food , attire and their language was the common binding factor that they cherished and reinforced on the next generation. However, they have managed to learn the local language and gel with the locals.

Pictures of the Garba (pc: Sandhya Joshi)

You will not have to go far to savor Khaman Dhokla, Ghattiya, Khandvi, Thepla and Shrikhand, its available right here (or not, if you are too late!). Mostly it’s the locals who are vying for them.

During Navrathri, Kochi becomes a Slice of Ahmadabad. Garba, Dhandiya nights and revelry completely take over this part of Kochi. Pretty girls in chaniya cholis and bejeweled women in their traditional attire dance to typical dandiya music.

Lohanas are subsect who are considered the descendants of Lava, Son of Shri Ram (Lavanam = Lohana). They worship The Sea God and Fire God (Dariyalal). They worship the holy Flame and Water in vessels in temples called Dariyasthan.

Check out the following places for lip smacking Gujarati food.

1. Shantilal Mithaiwala : Their ladoos are so drool worthy , and the Jalebis are like concentric circles of pure bliss. You can even do it the local way by spending an evening sitting choc-a-block and savoring piping hot masala tea and Ghatiya . Don’t blame me if you can’t break the habit.
2. Annapurna Sweets: Wafting aroma of Pav Bhaji and chat. You will follow your nose to the location!

Truly Maja Ma!

The Masters group, a group of like minded boys, got together diligently every morning to play their hearts out (In spite of the “the eye” from their wives!). A game of volley ball ceased to be only game. It was their”Me Time”. That time when they stopped worrying about the daily mundane and pranced around like kids in the dirt.

Gradually, the game became an obsession. Now, they were all set to play a tournament.

In true IPL style, teams were sorted, owned , captained and formed. The bidding was also IPL-class, Players were auctioned for points.(Sorry Honey,No Money). A good idea as monetary involvement may dampen the spirit of friends playing against each other.

I have to pause to mention the cheerleaders who were way prettier than the IPL ones.

The audience, family of the players, cheered the players . The unending supply of Sip -up (Drops of heaven in packets), Ice Golas (I mean, What is summer without them?) and Rani float (Yummy juice with chunks of fruit that you float  in its flavors like a Rani) kept the tongues colored. So Many childhood memories were made and relieved.

The winners of the tournament were the Powani Buster team who smashed their way to victory and how!

Check out these pics!

The winners (Powani Busters) and the Runner Up (Imperial strikers)

There winners in this tournament apart from the players were the wives and children . They found new friends and cemented the friendship over four days of yelling, screaming and cheering.

I shall no longer say Childhood memories because we have never really left childhood behind!

P.S. As for these guys, the wives’ eye of scorn became a blink of approval and eye lash batting of pure admiration!

Gowda saraswath Brahmins or GSBs came to Kochi around 1360 to escape the atrocities at the hands of Alauddhin Khilji and later to evade Portuguese Inquisition in Goa. They belonged to Salcette of Goa and the area in Kochi where the settled was called Sashtiparambu. The main settlement areas that are still buzzing with GSBs and their activities, include Cherlai, T.D road, Amaravathi. The life here revolves around the temple and the temple activities. This place is called Goshreepuram.

The Cochin Tirumala Devasom is the main temple here and is surrounded by smaller Temples each having a long history. The presiding deity is Sri Venkatachalapathy. Bi annually, Araat or the main temple festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. The temple runs TD School and similar educational institution in this area.

STOP TO SEE:

1. The main Cochin Tirumala Devasom: The front dwara is built in Vimana style of architecture and the Northern Gopur in Indo-Tibetan style. It also houses the largest metal bell inside the temple. The lake mantapam opposite to the temple holds an important place in the Temple activities. More often than not, Cherlai is ready to celebrate some religious function. The Processions, Events and Festivals are worth catching up with.

2. The subordinate temples around the main temples.

3. Hari shenoy`s bunglow: R.S. Hari Shenoy was the adhikari (administrator) of the TD Temple. He founded the TD High School in Mattancherry, the first Anglo-vernacular school in the area. In 1874 he built his bungalow, near the temple, in a style inspired by western architecture .The central room on the first floor, supposedly the master bedroom, has marble flooring made from tiles brought from Italy and  dark stones brought from Kutch .  this bunglow is all set to be conserved by the tourism department under a project called Museum of Cultural Mosaic.

The restoration in progress.

STOP TO EAT:

1. Fritters/ fried veggies called Bajja by the local as an accompaniment to a cup of steaming hot tea. The rulers of the roost are potato bonda, onion bajja, Goli baja.

2. Patarvado/ Patrado is a laborious delicacy made by slathering colacassia leaves with a freshly ground masala in an alternating fashion , rolled and steamed. The aroma wafts around the corners of Cherlai with hungry patrons waiting.

3. Ginger lime juice at the corner stall near Cherlai Bazar. The secret concoction has many fans and is a must do for the homeward bound.

4. Dosa: Small cafes dot Cherlai roads where amiable mammus (uncles) are spreading out super symmetric dosas and serving them with coconut chutney and lip smacking sambar.

5. A traditional Konkani sweet shop is at Koovapadam, run by an old lady fondly called Millakarni (Mill -Lady). Her stars are Pooranpoli/Ubatti : a sweet made from dal and jaggery, Besan laddu , Chips and Milk Peda.

As you leave these lanes , you can’t help but promise yourself you’ll come back for more. That is why Konkanis say, Yetha (Will come back) as they leave.