The Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala's enchanting backwaters, formed naturally by the accumulation of sea water, are known through out the world. They offer an esquisite network of canals, lakes, lagoons and deltas of about 44 rivers emptying into the Arabian Sea. Vic and I decided to rent a houseboat, or kettuvallom for an overnight cruise from Kumarakom to the city of Alappuzha, known as the "Venice of the East". It was indeed a magical and memorable experience. As we floated along we caught glimpes of the native way of life.

One interesting encounter was with a group of three young boys. Our boat had docked for the night and we had just got back from taking a stroll along the bank when a boy came over to our boat and asked for some US coins. (This turned out to be a common request from children and adults alike) When we told him that we didn't have any (and we really didn't) he proceded to ask for a pen. We obliged. Two seconds later, two other boys came by asking for pens. Lucky for them Vic happened to have two final pens... so he gave them to the boys.

Then all three boys came back and started asking for all sorts of things....combs, toothbrushes, books, phones, chocolate... but not money. I found it particularly amusing when one of the boys, making brushing gestures through his hair, asked for mousse. What was he going to do with mousse? :P A village man, embarrassed by the way they were acting, shoed them away a few times before they finally disappeared into the night. But not before I was able to give the remaining fried bananas our chef had made for us. :) They were really cute.