The Biggest Bargain in India and a Question . . .

Ft. Kochi – Day 2

This is a very touristy area of Kochi which is a big city, a bustling port, and a harbor filled with everything from colorful fishing boats to ocean-going container ships.  And, best of all, ferries!  We decide to take a ferry ride from the peninsula that is the Ft part of Kochi to the mainland.   The grand total for both of us for the 15” ride – 12 cents!  4 rupees each.  And, as usual, we’re two of maybe six Westerners among about 100 Indians.  This is a commuter ferry, and a recent move to raise the fare by one rupee had locals  in near revolt.  Construction workers make about 5,000 rupees a month – roughly $80 - and even with a ‘commuter ticket’ this increase is a real hardship. 

We disembark and walk for a km or so along a lovely promenade on the water’s edge. 

One of the many high luxury rises along the waterfront.  You may not be able to make out the laundry hanging over the uppermost balcony!  I thought it was a hoot.

Photos of some posters that I'm still looking for an explanation for . . . just how many positions??  We've seen the famous temples at Khajuraho and they didn't have nearly half that many . . . are those 'variants' on positions, pleasure . . . any ideas??  The young man in the background seems quite keen on figuring it all out!

When in doubt, have an ice cream!  Certainly one of our sensual pleasures . . . wait, didn't Baskin and Robbins have 64 flavors?  OK, I think I'm going off the rails here . . . time to head home.

On the way into the ferry terminal, we see two men laying pavers using the most remarkable device to cut the pavers along the edge.

We have to walk through two other ferries to get to ours.

And on the way home, we see an Indian Coast Guard cutter named for Gandhi's wife, Kasturba - wow!  (You really can't make it out in this photo.)  Have we ever named a US ship after a woman??