Mick and I get up early and take a quick bike ride to the ATM, but it has run out of cash again. A quick detour to the Chinese fishing nets for some photos, then we go back to the hotel for a swim before breakfast.
Everyone gathers for a walking tour of Fort Kochi, which starts off on the beach right by the hotel. Lots of families are out enjoying the day, or playing football in the beach.
Our walk takes us round the by the fishing nets again, and we get a chance to see them in action, though the only thing caught is weed. Through the market, then we end up in a shop to use their toilets and have a cup of tea, so I use the opportunity to buy another metre of fabric, and a silk saree.
Our coach then takes us to the north-eastern side of the Kochi peninsular to visit the old Jewish area. First stop is the Dutch Palace, built by the Prortugese. No photos allowed inside, but there are some amazing murals depicting the Ramayana epic story. Then we visit the synagogue, and walk back through an antiques shopping area.
Back to the hotel, and Mick and I go for another bike ride before the group meets at 4pm for a walk to the David Hall Gallery for a cup of tea. Then we visit St Francis church, site of the oldest Christian church in Kerala, before visiting a Catholic Church round the corner. There is a huge parade after the church service, which includes children dressed up as Jesus and Mary, and decorated tuk-tuks.
Final event for the evening is a performance of Kathakali, the local stylised dance tradition. We get to see the dancers applying their complicated make up before having an explanation and demonstration of the techniques used. It's a very static dance style, with great use of facial expressions and hand positions.
We then get a small performance of an actual dance, before returning to our hotel. Mick and I opt for a local low price restaurant, the Dal Roti, and have an excellent meal!
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