Tranquil, Wayanad.

<div style="text-align: left;">I was going through some old photographs from a few years ago and was hit by a huge wave of nostalgia.</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499156598884006754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYb-7B81yHizeOyaEX-JYeavV-G9ptE2xG0aTCMurq0ndzrlEw1kaTKd-bTo00ssZFoEae-zOKovugX0qYNePzwlJeZfi2MmncIcyxrsB1m9R7OIbKy7FSnrOAcfWZj9eMHSbdpi4lf4/s400/DSCN5168.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had gone to Wayanad, Kerala for a holiday during the monsoons and stayed at a beautiful home-stay called <b><a href="http://tranquilresort.com/homestay.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Tranquil</span></a></b> nestled in a private coffee plantation. The lush green surroundings with meticulously maintained garden, the hospitality of the family, homemade jams & jellies, the friendly dogs and those chilly evening conversations with amazing company left us feeling completely warm and fuzzy inside.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499157972557107442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY7WbhlZ2gdmpxge7W92oYdT95SgZfUiLy0WBBaQc59g0cmjzD9ZUIUdkD6i_cKDQjfZzQRsU7r_spl4hGTysZcJSGOXpmiaws0kqxfZ5KOctfxjg1jK9INRs9rMJMP6OzN5bYUktLKs/s400/DSCN5210.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div>What I wanted to share with all of you is the fantastic variety of flora & fauna <i>(eeks, sounds too technical;-)</i> and how the indoor and outdoor spaces blend so beautifully into each other.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499160612185048850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nvaxTw2E8eJptPzz0RHMMYhm96kVPC4I_JwP0x_j140AxvaUrOSGFYp7RAg6SB4Yje34oGuVlXZ8SEQsXVXYGOIEg0a9znkfSW6a4hZ2xYCriIrQs1BJZnITb-SD16ODVu9h2VS72Tw/s400/DSCN5122.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499157999686254626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUt2gKd9TSZxEDn7CSS3z1_ewMyagD7t9zeo0KNC8cJ1TCertqUmIhoXTfhJW8U7phtUb1c84uFHWJXD-uRalyn7hutkKfPDUP5S3eWRojKDeytuWxjtnaGYJg4y8lgzXhBvvHPmMHQA/s400/DSCN5148.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Raindrops drenching the bright red petals...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499157977885046834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQfVI5cdifOxfMXs2e3bjo5rlZuEupfuJ3qgV0jyhLy_x6kYClvXUEVevar6RWm-W782Wle3Yj1zd-l9SORK56WGB1GaCSXEpfaaRR7DIHJnEB4NNhmnZf1fIzFGEZIG7PGntAhgr90c/s400/DSCN5152.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was a gurgling stream inside the plantation!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499157989553238914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEvtFiM1pYh4SI1lcfj6voDk9SM2HUpp_vKa0WrJyfb9MeBD7TlVLvPZRgo2XpJFerPwpYAgTXlJSiAV6VCz0mUhaQ8-BcvSAh0Iozq37Bk1vVfqDiurtpVbmY78J3jVRdjBgyqATViQ/s400/DSCN5160.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">A treehouse where we spent hours reading...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499157557602875474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlJneeke0YX-ZJMCYB3q-vTeaNT4U-ysiId20a8DKOQmZBD_JxNdlNiIkQ2uAZ8nCxmptcunOl5BaG9WWho9wuKakWumW-WtJOUBG6DqMOLAy_KWTYETi2A1cPiWZETPTa3Pj2nmDUUg/s400/DSCN5208.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Peperomia(?) Plant lovers, help me here:-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499156615198026242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3UkUwhzIl9lysyChz85_qNAJIOyzoAOmml-jCZpZCIeGg38f1h6zlSywxq0FWCePxXtH4r2kfx2R9O4AxddXUYgooQi4KKcSoJzc_8bTcwtrl7OTNpKCQZpya9aeoRA1jyorQ3Yss6c/s400/DSCN5202.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Flowers floating in traditional Kerala Urlis and stone mortar & pestle..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499157560971580306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFKyzFwyJXijf-xHEB4FAdkdcVrz5SswEQn8AjIN4Psml07xYXyZcftGQZJ4eJIrdcoWBySKfOifu1joeayFbKH3W42lQ2FJsafp2r1fyUvbPHuPQsqgBXP2YRnevf6O9Z4VsItKnELc/s400/DSCN5209.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Floating cabbage varieties...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499157545794004962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6s-Zh72-aXgCcSw2JbMoyhYQmLU0rQ-l4vdZ0x3eXSC-KzCX4KKVabw4DXeEk5OtVEwHcGAMz3RXvwe8kkbSjVoQ6C3K1fxyEjWAFbnqoNnDCdxcFz0LuqZ7AR7QM8nnK8pvKGW90qY/s400/DSCN5206.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Lovely stand with natural garden accessories... </span></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499157538935852226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x0zMV_zSXkFL4bxHE8BqpgL5XS1LG1IyL-9RQeb72PtusQGbVJLwvHeYJDdZM-x4Q4uHsaP0zYQQxbyOWsbp2DoUyvGqQtEKM8EuDi4Ci-NIltDush6l6Zkmoqhu7x_xq5bbn22L9Zc/s400/DSCN5205.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">The open dining area surrounded by lush greenery.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499156604304702306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX_Egt_ejs8PvKk8KHyQX9UgyUT6QtEn1GSFbGwEB4s0XCIGjr_MtvOuRFd_dEaZ0Su2td_ytmoaiX1v2QEZW2Ko7plhJiMQ2XgjLm98yZIcwPs-zfd52PFWMIVwExgPyqyKS9hI-SdA/s400/DSCN5177.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">Table set for breakfast, with home-made preserves and jams:-)</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499156613194900098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh8bPK5ZS9rps7Dq7TJVEWyBfl_jCcXMqGU9yNECdauUbkCmcoenjAmybAoMA0Sng1Aajowr1kQmsfieSwynmdCMsPBDAKeVwNeR3eh0Tg5bQE8e-8GQ8axSG5mT_J6cWA2laymnt6j4/s400/DSCN5201.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499156620915852722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c5QLggrKYOUOJhM1U-N-qcAvoQihwBlXNagESgD0qqzHqIYTkjTNVDewH-w5nlbs7Ha7td3UO6OVLd2u4oBQklvPGpIP3HK__Cg-Jz2xZyqaOyp_X5TtxyBtegxFcKU5KbguKYlFMrU/s400/DSCN5203.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Plants curling themselves around pillars & pipes...</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499160620691742530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8DJDgnME8qT5KZEMpURrYoE8I31WwvbQ3l2tnoGtYs2GFTKuN1JB2nBxWRzdCWv7WCjaOEJhRHA5JHRAQpJ1VvuQpRlM839b_qTPNsrUa7SwWuNIHqdpMPql1sHhPREIACBNDjadEFE/s400/DSCN5144.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">Magical chimes on display...</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499160626832872898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RKFEinmY4zjMWA6qXy-Y36RWZPFKM1ajC7KY9RXuq8DY1qBjWZ6FYXDtDiuSEwM91Pq_yYCDPECON39H6rcao3blpDqLX3DOYEP9BBtW3rF_zbb9eFtPTJcwuvYEkgSgvqYPdHox6yc/s400/DSCN5145.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Anthoriums and other exotic plants line the outer wall...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sigh* Hope all of you liked this Monsoon getaway!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy the rains.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">( Images by Arch)</span></i></div>

Tranquil, Wayanad.

I was going through some old photographs from a few years ago and was hit by a huge wave of nostalgia. We had gone to Wayanad, Kerala for a ...

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Jew Town, Cochin.

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6HAsry4va66JK-58jXLP-1pezlBLAcBhNVpKdshYLgrXmIOvvD62wqEorNjlH17SoUQJCK6QvHDWAHgqeDZGftBjiM0el5EK8IsEl0fLKBsGXIsDrLsw2EB2Qb9FFVU9zHtDuEoCUv1i/s1600-h/j6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="453" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337365931353465634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6HAsry4va66JK-58jXLP-1pezlBLAcBhNVpKdshYLgrXmIOvvD62wqEorNjlH17SoUQJCK6QvHDWAHgqeDZGftBjiM0el5EK8IsEl0fLKBsGXIsDrLsw2EB2Qb9FFVU9zHtDuEoCUv1i/s640/j6.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jew Town</span> in Cochin has a lovely old world charm, brightly painted walls with interesting Hebrew inscriptions, narrow lanes leading to one of the oldest Synagogues and streets dotted with spice and antique shops.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6HAsry4va66JK-58jXLP-1pezlBLAcBhNVpKdshYLgrXmIOvvD62wqEorNjlH17SoUQJCK6QvHDWAHgqeDZGftBjiM0el5EK8IsEl0fLKBsGXIsDrLsw2EB2Qb9FFVU9zHtDuEoCUv1i/s1600-h/j6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P39UgUNcDBinqQvuORkckPuXIE4s4kLIYLGKqpAr4xMgJiaeVCF2CYsSHr222HeJ1U-IHTsst2rbAJAhSoHSLemYZePBcNon5C7Xluxvg4mqsU2b3KIfuJQrQ0VQUVHbWiH_Jq9Enkud/s1600-h/j4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337365926623960322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P39UgUNcDBinqQvuORkckPuXIE4s4kLIYLGKqpAr4xMgJiaeVCF2CYsSHr222HeJ1U-IHTsst2rbAJAhSoHSLemYZePBcNon5C7Xluxvg4mqsU2b3KIfuJQrQ0VQUVHbWiH_Jq9Enkud/s640/j4.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk-pRdRcvSe5MKaJ_V79nJHkPvL8UxWDO2rTgYvr2rMV28Pja8XKXxsyP1UMBXi30zTp7thR6db129cghU60fNwwp16gi1oLf6jQ5ECvr1M0UaDG2Sc9woKA7bBGHiTxYkdCvBFyY7p5J/s1600-h/j7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337366569466854178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk-pRdRcvSe5MKaJ_V79nJHkPvL8UxWDO2rTgYvr2rMV28Pja8XKXxsyP1UMBXi30zTp7thR6db129cghU60fNwwp16gi1oLf6jQ5ECvr1M0UaDG2Sc9woKA7bBGHiTxYkdCvBFyY7p5J/s640/j7.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeT1pWIFx6jkOMAslw32l0k7wWL5shbkCr9bioUXijtaf_MwOvaQCUdZ9JiHqugJzzxEPJXVBrck4fkWYpvQBN5RyYcl_6vdIYW2hyimaKMIlDr_TfWox0v_SfiYRVzFXeog3TdmaY58k/s1600-h/j3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="395" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337365923966346642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeT1pWIFx6jkOMAslw32l0k7wWL5shbkCr9bioUXijtaf_MwOvaQCUdZ9JiHqugJzzxEPJXVBrck4fkWYpvQBN5RyYcl_6vdIYW2hyimaKMIlDr_TfWox0v_SfiYRVzFXeog3TdmaY58k/s640/j3.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>It is one of the oldest Jewish settlements in the world dating back to 700 B.C. when Jewish traders came to the shores of Cochin seeking spices. Now only a handful Jews remain. You can read more about their history<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochin_Jews" style="font-weight: bold;">here</a>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJogtNy9Tt-Zpmg2S_cMJTAtOMMDFo2d-CG22Iy0ya-rz1HF6q0gtv_wAH7nhTdZTkwoWIxeBoYe2OBf0mOFgMqsU9GMPGsZA_-BXFxobE7vVoCgIuvd9sOGbes-JQcCmoTw4xE2y3Em5-/s1600-h/j2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="494" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337365923023871954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJogtNy9Tt-Zpmg2S_cMJTAtOMMDFo2d-CG22Iy0ya-rz1HF6q0gtv_wAH7nhTdZTkwoWIxeBoYe2OBf0mOFgMqsU9GMPGsZA_-BXFxobE7vVoCgIuvd9sOGbes-JQcCmoTw4xE2y3Em5-/s640/j2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>Intricately carved spice boxes over-flowing with aromatic spices displayed on the streets.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXktdWSQ2c-QnirLbZK72eTr4haS7BDZwWwrZNMyamJb7uGKixrO3vZ4wmJEbL6iP6_pRdBX5NzwTooX7grk_Mo5S7kV1B2VMcrMXPnRUgiOcuu-VOgSu6zESYIowHQTyrk4y5CaveFlzg/s1600-h/j1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337365917845481858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXktdWSQ2c-QnirLbZK72eTr4haS7BDZwWwrZNMyamJb7uGKixrO3vZ4wmJEbL6iP6_pRdBX5NzwTooX7grk_Mo5S7kV1B2VMcrMXPnRUgiOcuu-VOgSu6zESYIowHQTyrk4y5CaveFlzg/s640/j1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="579" /></a>The antique shops got us excited, but we were also a bit wary considering it is one of the prime tourist spots.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA04kWjdypjAvXulUVVRBZm_5y7_cL-l_hJB1TYXQ5e5wsOnEhsfUFkB80DlSsgUGjStMmjwMz5eDADp9FxGdGZTeH5KqZFwj3HlavSw4VHq_Ko4vm1h1snUYsnXM8SCO4rnkFN8StnZYD/s1600-h/j9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337366572186146722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA04kWjdypjAvXulUVVRBZm_5y7_cL-l_hJB1TYXQ5e5wsOnEhsfUFkB80DlSsgUGjStMmjwMz5eDADp9FxGdGZTeH5KqZFwj3HlavSw4VHq_Ko4vm1h1snUYsnXM8SCO4rnkFN8StnZYD/s640/j9.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="426" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjOmiNUA2X-tgAWl0jAJ0t3ebaMhqsFGSD_xorQx8d0JwU4_yoMPeIcvnw1jz10RF3lhf_5ebDx2RzpT67V6lihhlm9s8xLiPtvxj85BDTkvkGsVxVvYsz52PsXCqDZtj2aKLF7Vpm_aE/s1600-h/j8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337366573555011314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjOmiNUA2X-tgAWl0jAJ0t3ebaMhqsFGSD_xorQx8d0JwU4_yoMPeIcvnw1jz10RF3lhf_5ebDx2RzpT67V6lihhlm9s8xLiPtvxj85BDTkvkGsVxVvYsz52PsXCqDZtj2aKLF7Vpm_aE/s640/j8.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="445" /></a>It was wonderful walking and exploring the lanes of Jew Town. A<span style="font-style: italic;">n old shop selling hand embroidery and textiles.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5bkIy7LXPi0xo1JSTl9tSRa5DnQq5FOv5bO-DwjNaQ-1_6zrDOZQSX-UImH1cMuQ6A6j7vJ5pv5jIYxBlPeqJtl5kab5ncThLpzObaqikg2uqHAYDcCwp5sEH9ouuwCLGWUis_S7AfBS/s1600-h/jj1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="432" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337366578793957298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5bkIy7LXPi0xo1JSTl9tSRa5DnQq5FOv5bO-DwjNaQ-1_6zrDOZQSX-UImH1cMuQ6A6j7vJ5pv5jIYxBlPeqJtl5kab5ncThLpzObaqikg2uqHAYDcCwp5sEH9ouuwCLGWUis_S7AfBS/s640/jj1.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>Some of the pieces we picked up from Jew Town, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wooden Padukas ( slippers)</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdGwlovrubmJrFERJYWinbghQK9lbcFLxBgygHGvA5iWSQRCvdAPafMxduHKAxk37DEvB1gx-egtp-wON6toZ9v9xtvU0E5UloMwWc0OBOPHWMeUj6YIK_mX5c_o8s4mu3DzIS9tP5SOG/s1600-h/jj2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="464" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337366581950789234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdGwlovrubmJrFERJYWinbghQK9lbcFLxBgygHGvA5iWSQRCvdAPafMxduHKAxk37DEvB1gx-egtp-wON6toZ9v9xtvU0E5UloMwWc0OBOPHWMeUj6YIK_mX5c_o8s4mu3DzIS9tP5SOG/s640/jj2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Seasoned wooden kitchen utensil</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Useful tip:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Look around many shops and bargain hard;-)</span></div>

Jew Town, Cochin.

Jew Town in Cochin has a lovely old world charm, brightly painted walls with interesting Hebrew inscriptions, narrow lanes leading to one o...

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The Old Courtyard Hotel

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WXrd9q3e0JGkCV4jTjsX9LMaKCJtKc_JBMkYxFKIitSze-MKqOuxYN4MhoULUv9v0ncfTJpMxskRTxzobFaQVMKP56QbdI01CyCeP6yuLj0D_7CbghNAxeMnftwP6UVpXlFUxrc8Qfwx/s1600-h/old5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327824431901720146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WXrd9q3e0JGkCV4jTjsX9LMaKCJtKc_JBMkYxFKIitSze-MKqOuxYN4MhoULUv9v0ncfTJpMxskRTxzobFaQVMKP56QbdI01CyCeP6yuLj0D_7CbghNAxeMnftwP6UVpXlFUxrc8Qfwx/s400/old5.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 340px;" /></a>On our recent vacation to Fort Kochi, Kerala, we stayed at an old Portuguese heritage hotel called <a href="https://www.oldcourtyard.com/OldCourtyardHome.asp"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Old Courtyard</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Hotel</span></a> on Princess Street.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYvMLgNl6Zhsf6bLxKPV5q-KYscTYP8eZc1uoPkZ1oZaPDOUnuN2JXHvF_qWhDnLO4dtzQ7ZoeF9uZUnHGMrkmZo1qtoBj-iH2G-D40bVqjTKAU5ZsTwSQXe-UQsB5NkYuXTXyKpVfUJj/s1600-h/koc11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328452167652374674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYvMLgNl6Zhsf6bLxKPV5q-KYscTYP8eZc1uoPkZ1oZaPDOUnuN2JXHvF_qWhDnLO4dtzQ7ZoeF9uZUnHGMrkmZo1qtoBj-iH2G-D40bVqjTKAU5ZsTwSQXe-UQsB5NkYuXTXyKpVfUJj/s400/koc11.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" /></a>As we entered the huge wooden door, we were immediately transported to the elegance and beauty of a by-gone era.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu3nzkbogwMztoXBiQDG2cEMtigrFmTUeAbMhQ5eP8tymBXjBSJyjb2-st3Gvi0oovo04posyYutpoToH7p6YMwrl95DMHkVpphiBoQ3cf_wuNBUMv-Qfm6cRLpR9KEryTaB3Y9TzHBLb/s1600-h/old4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327824426495235234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu3nzkbogwMztoXBiQDG2cEMtigrFmTUeAbMhQ5eP8tymBXjBSJyjb2-st3Gvi0oovo04posyYutpoToH7p6YMwrl95DMHkVpphiBoQ3cf_wuNBUMv-Qfm6cRLpR9KEryTaB3Y9TzHBLb/s400/old4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;" /></a>This restored heritage building now offers 8 rooms, that overlook a charming courtyard.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ178gApSRtgqdWEYnHR2LQNCeZhkJBfZbn3qdWrW8Va3Yuy5WeL_FMqKZ8HOYgAdSSmPimB1po9eOTGmp7EXLqWsp-19VlLV9KuSffoDbXiHFS71AMz4VNkOuYYKqwStfrGC2sL1H_kU/s1600-h/old3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327824425334388818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ178gApSRtgqdWEYnHR2LQNCeZhkJBfZbn3qdWrW8Va3Yuy5WeL_FMqKZ8HOYgAdSSmPimB1po9eOTGmp7EXLqWsp-19VlLV9KuSffoDbXiHFS71AMz4VNkOuYYKqwStfrGC2sL1H_kU/s400/old3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>You can enjoy a cup of cardamom tea sitting under a huge mango tree in the center of the courtyard, or dig into their wide variety of desserts that are so very popular!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOrLFB4xsrL6qy0Fig8ib7h14GWOYtu3s-QayrzSwsNsIq33BXVXu5aixudJibpET3mAv5GZKYLljHLNJKdqz4omLr6ieNbGo3-Z3UtO56NVNfH8qCt10PGS1rblKzFn7X6TsfUC2WGPk/s1600-h/old7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327825537010918306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOrLFB4xsrL6qy0Fig8ib7h14GWOYtu3s-QayrzSwsNsIq33BXVXu5aixudJibpET3mAv5GZKYLljHLNJKdqz4omLr6ieNbGo3-Z3UtO56NVNfH8qCt10PGS1rblKzFn7X6TsfUC2WGPk/s400/old7.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXqZmHwx5T-jxL1xd29SXu3UZYi4IBRwWjAM90FOT3pSG3fe2go_dNOujXHg4FXcdwcM_7u2RUnt9rO9g74fszCWnTT7Rd0BCwNroRn6uLou_jqtCzDdb68xJvmqmcdZ_BwkL6oRyXuES/s1600-h/old12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327826268920678914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXqZmHwx5T-jxL1xd29SXu3UZYi4IBRwWjAM90FOT3pSG3fe2go_dNOujXHg4FXcdwcM_7u2RUnt9rO9g74fszCWnTT7Rd0BCwNroRn6uLou_jqtCzDdb68xJvmqmcdZ_BwkL6oRyXuES/s400/old12.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>The white-washed walls, the arches, antique furniture, the old switchboards and the attention to details makes this quaint place very special.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMhfV-Kl4aKYKmxi0zDWbUZ4glyVxeycFqtS-zE7VSKGV4pnUNuo3HEBsu6JPjRkj67r4R9E-rQHuPJ8ctAXFejpyYdr7VlGVxjWer4S5rhXoEdqjmznncjUw4-D83exMGJTqWgpMYizf/s1600-h/old8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327825545111458466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMhfV-Kl4aKYKmxi0zDWbUZ4glyVxeycFqtS-zE7VSKGV4pnUNuo3HEBsu6JPjRkj67r4R9E-rQHuPJ8ctAXFejpyYdr7VlGVxjWer4S5rhXoEdqjmznncjUw4-D83exMGJTqWgpMYizf/s400/old8.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAdg3Snt8gFXypUtMb3H6b_NvISfkKR9_NAVoCuWeyBEm3pNnk9xKIuiUlToar4sRYm8z14VUtRwpx2OugTOLR9SG_RxM0nj9rWA9-tsKWw4lQFUp2f2kPc5eZlP8ecxs9_PnsT9IVc0-/s1600-h/old9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327825542751339538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAdg3Snt8gFXypUtMb3H6b_NvISfkKR9_NAVoCuWeyBEm3pNnk9xKIuiUlToar4sRYm8z14VUtRwpx2OugTOLR9SG_RxM0nj9rWA9-tsKWw4lQFUp2f2kPc5eZlP8ecxs9_PnsT9IVc0-/s400/old9.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a>The dining area faces the courtyard. We were torn between enjoying the view and devouring their delicious breakfast:-)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjR6kjP5feek5MYL2aCGoFUBQvPGofPg_0kDHwfHi2ao61Eo71E64l-VkF1ujFs6saPRWYA8M-Oy6-hIQUAC7Y1BDUhDOzmOE2sSCehqpBMLDI4cZsj59ZqJfqY144LFCimAI4WzavM8L/s1600-h/bananabr.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327828286240252274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjR6kjP5feek5MYL2aCGoFUBQvPGofPg_0kDHwfHi2ao61Eo71E64l-VkF1ujFs6saPRWYA8M-Oy6-hIQUAC7Y1BDUhDOzmOE2sSCehqpBMLDI4cZsj59ZqJfqY144LFCimAI4WzavM8L/s400/bananabr.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_b3A5a4xCCc9omYilO4DM8QjvTvLE7CmX_LthtDU2CVX2gWOhUo2Mb9fzUY3yrIjxCo2QBtfcOSsuLA9Vt9Uh9NXb-lup7PplDXBQTpYKhr7_kZX857WIy_nZ64expYTXFgKbUzps6Vs/s1600-h/old6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327825537236127570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_b3A5a4xCCc9omYilO4DM8QjvTvLE7CmX_LthtDU2CVX2gWOhUo2Mb9fzUY3yrIjxCo2QBtfcOSsuLA9Vt9Uh9NXb-lup7PplDXBQTpYKhr7_kZX857WIy_nZ64expYTXFgKbUzps6Vs/s400/old6.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>View from the first floor balcony.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoPtPUJY0VRYI_e2UqzZSCC9zv-xH9KCvay72sIxi4gMFVQHkk89_rhZLhK085De59_SJs6MbDrmjO2cQd5dbDa-SxHtoueVew8KLhnQ4zowfYtAzeigGLejNpSZcdP2ApWURy9qj8rTY/s1600-h/old11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327826265689419554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoPtPUJY0VRYI_e2UqzZSCC9zv-xH9KCvay72sIxi4gMFVQHkk89_rhZLhK085De59_SJs6MbDrmjO2cQd5dbDa-SxHtoueVew8KLhnQ4zowfYtAzeigGLejNpSZcdP2ApWURy9qj8rTY/s400/old11.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>The terracotta tiled roof and the fresh green leaves of the mango tree make a lovely combination.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1QvivOP55liRmT9y7wE1USBWSOsvKVg-r3vfHKRyBXExafMRyr4n181qXaGScZ-Z8M3TULnF3WEY2KUT6sVLlm7lPkhFdh1roA9Q89ZYa6nqBcFbi0FMx4whGuaqPw3773phADCJCOxM/s1600-h/old10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327825549284577906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1QvivOP55liRmT9y7wE1USBWSOsvKVg-r3vfHKRyBXExafMRyr4n181qXaGScZ-Z8M3TULnF3WEY2KUT6sVLlm7lPkhFdh1roA9Q89ZYa6nqBcFbi0FMx4whGuaqPw3773phADCJCOxM/s400/old10.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" /></a>Top view of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Old Courtyard</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hotel</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5CCVnLMLavQ6VbEeyVq7tTtzv-Gkxyp21ovNyvETMsUTCY40UEbK6IN8Q1DHw6Lj_ikWkMEzWaAL_0IcFFw81e__Mp-up52oQJGIJaTmHe3EGg2Jl9bv2cn-5-YfzfCozru0ZyOu28S1/s1600-h/old13.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327826268199424914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5CCVnLMLavQ6VbEeyVq7tTtzv-Gkxyp21ovNyvETMsUTCY40UEbK6IN8Q1DHw6Lj_ikWkMEzWaAL_0IcFFw81e__Mp-up52oQJGIJaTmHe3EGg2Jl9bv2cn-5-YfzfCozru0ZyOu28S1/s400/old13.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a>Magical light filtering in through the window as we were shown our room.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuBcVlvS9xKSpEQWvo_5gqh7h08tGlWSVsbwGNzCNiasjljUnTG8015EAHzjJ1KpBgLxHypBK8oASYIswCSyGZ4RbvQRyycTlMSlYIXSH3c5LNt3sYqCVPH2cN4g74aueBv3kokVNa2iv/s1600-h/cup.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327828289463489346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuBcVlvS9xKSpEQWvo_5gqh7h08tGlWSVsbwGNzCNiasjljUnTG8015EAHzjJ1KpBgLxHypBK8oASYIswCSyGZ4RbvQRyycTlMSlYIXSH3c5LNt3sYqCVPH2cN4g74aueBv3kokVNa2iv/s400/cup.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The patina of the seasoned wooden floor with my cup of tea:-) </span><br />The owners have retained the original floor and I am so glad they did, the feel of the smooth wood against the feet is something else.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2xalsRHnOELcy2lSjBZuYx7tHZYXIiyB3hbtKELUIOxZJgrgysFIB0Ffjs9t8cymhj3kZq5oZmRdQz2jd-HVvxnMxqUEo4mJmzwR56n6FlrqiQm8IxFIwFaK_de1mPoz0TcdWvqoIMC-/s1600-h/old15.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327826274962095746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2xalsRHnOELcy2lSjBZuYx7tHZYXIiyB3hbtKELUIOxZJgrgysFIB0Ffjs9t8cymhj3kZq5oZmRdQz2jd-HVvxnMxqUEo4mJmzwR56n6FlrqiQm8IxFIwFaK_de1mPoz0TcdWvqoIMC-/s400/old15.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>The rain-gods decided to shower their blessings on us that evening and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Old Courtyard</span> took on a magical feel.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKKD-sw7JZ-LJzvxWS04atQJT5h-Ti5HPD1NasuucHpA16m35hB-Tgp_CFyzZC2KNyjSbdrrpMOCObxfihVv1B3tFBF2rqZ1J_hOvtLYgNEqeLnwyx4J2QwO1ThsXkTlJv7EUCyxBIg_m/s1600-h/old2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327824421018408290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKKD-sw7JZ-LJzvxWS04atQJT5h-Ti5HPD1NasuucHpA16m35hB-Tgp_CFyzZC2KNyjSbdrrpMOCObxfihVv1B3tFBF2rqZ1J_hOvtLYgNEqeLnwyx4J2QwO1ThsXkTlJv7EUCyxBIg_m/s400/old2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a>We just stood there watching the rain beat down while sipping our <span style="font-style: italic;">Masala Chai</span> this time;-)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXW3kVDfWbwSJ2F5lRAawHrLqfnxxRIFt3MbtRNo019gRJ2wDEjmpsC3ZH8BtVfYEEiaw1Dp9YTCkPrifxi9o1c0l_umObi6AArkjSvf7kUPP_bURkO_yc-mUycD4GXreC087SGlsHQqm/s1600-h/old1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327824416726182642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXW3kVDfWbwSJ2F5lRAawHrLqfnxxRIFt3MbtRNo019gRJ2wDEjmpsC3ZH8BtVfYEEiaw1Dp9YTCkPrifxi9o1c0l_umObi6AArkjSvf7kUPP_bURkO_yc-mUycD4GXreC087SGlsHQqm/s400/old1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>If we traveled to Fort Cochin again, we would surely return to this charming 17th century abode.

The Old Courtyard Hotel

On our recent vacation to Fort Kochi, Kerala, we stayed at an old Portuguese heritage hotel called The Old Courtyard Hotel on Princess Str...

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Two for joy, immense joy...

...wondering what I am talking about?<br /><br />Today I am sharing with you not one but two great spaces which have got imprinted on my mind ever since I saw them a couple of days ago. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nLsHh6O0Gbea-ECq7N40SAQBJuD8Q1sZ2WqmXZIBmRgk8c6v5PdNi7xuJygcQlDAQHCNgwZtHLc_YZbnLQ0TAwh5VkEf-N-GMheoUFyG1nOAiWcJIHG3a3kt5cK2zMSnDAq8JppFHFYr/s1600-h/go7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143654869988113314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nLsHh6O0Gbea-ECq7N40SAQBJuD8Q1sZ2WqmXZIBmRgk8c6v5PdNi7xuJygcQlDAQHCNgwZtHLc_YZbnLQ0TAwh5VkEf-N-GMheoUFyG1nOAiWcJIHG3a3kt5cK2zMSnDAq8JppFHFYr/s400/go7.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The first on, is designer Jivi Sethi's ultra-stylish residence in Assagao in Goa.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143654238627920738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDtFDZ-JBUjaRPV-KD3IMqgZslHBepE8O4fkSWVqop6rZ3mMZzVFcAQXEYZi9-Hx6fjqujHjMb1O_kWr_3V7c_20W4dd-UI7UrFiy0UkSt8trEZhqgg0i1P8S6_d9NKujj0jIyaXsrslJ/s400/go3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Jivi Sethi's home which is featured in Vogue Magazine, this month is an eclectic blend of antique objets d'art with contemporary furniture. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143654225743018818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFXDg9jiKRmYRfjvmSh6lp1cV0QLUpvn_OPpq7LplY_Po030-MR7TT718YP0HVgULl_hVioGXB-U6QvTcrGmDtaHS9kFCbNacelbWamktzwVyc35Xwp3gkNWRlthGS5BK9K9Hz8tHYEeO/s400/go1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />He has styled his home with loads of glass, mirrors & chandeliers. <em>I love the way he had brought in the old goan charm by using antique chandeliers, old wine bottles & loads of floral arrangements:-)<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143654247217855346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioM8ypyQPX_B6PzMOPlWAUSY377jdNFS-g7x4VKx35_aj-VXrdcTq9G3P2UgCKhry80dTMaSjOnV_0P0SXf3KxkRSlfMTGPO3h6bqFgMtgGOkemmEKvcViyU4fKQMXGN0AC-ByB2YhNfZp/s400/go4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></em>Look at the fusion of antique goan wooden cupboard with contemporary glass & lacquer coffee table designed by him:-)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxy-ZVzwtH6zcm51xlomkLOXE_lOTYD6crSMeUd9b4uSlhuOCJkJMltCeRtKUxd0dRRzsOib9gKZWRb7wwbgcnSnt_Xsi1USKFUQLPHGohrFIn_2vSrE3xt6cc8rZEaBtVH0UpZAZtncH/s1600-h/go2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143654234332953426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxy-ZVzwtH6zcm51xlomkLOXE_lOTYD6crSMeUd9b4uSlhuOCJkJMltCeRtKUxd0dRRzsOib9gKZWRb7wwbgcnSnt_Xsi1USKFUQLPHGohrFIn_2vSrE3xt6cc8rZEaBtVH0UpZAZtncH/s400/go2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Flowers everywhere...*sigh* Love the way he floats the 'Parijat' flowers with the orange stalk upwards adding colour & texture to the arrangement<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143654861398178706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5WqqNBS8aR6CqZWOQb6O08Y_KPgca1ryY62S52G7YT620lut-XMLkSvxqFhqJESJr8qD2KyiXey0iBCvkpf4QGH5CaewkMNRz80ZSZdaQLMiwwz1Wiwzf5y1gsP7IMCnwPoaO1gTFfbd/s400/go6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Another thing striking is the use of vibrant colours, his home is filled with art from his friends blending in with his own pieces of heirloom from his family home in Amritsar & Delhi.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143654251512822658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH304qzlISwT2ec_gHKBsWROPMKR9mTqy0Ln2-VmvD62Lm1d3zVXEIziUvBrwDhOTDkhZRsN2jhc5WFSzOcCUkGnD9CODrWXdOflgJ84BMMchk3maKrucU0_jHyKD_T_k_AsVzlXiC-pbW/s400/go5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />There is something fun, colourful, vibrant & eclectic in this space which reflects the personality of this very creative & stylish designer. <div><div><br /><div>From the a vibrant home to the placid backwaters of Kerala....<br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143662016813693922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Dl2-ZIskdv9SbE7UiUMA9Y3OIj-tDxzibWcx83vR_8mXF0WHTm17trqg5gElL9dRkRuLGhc86XCdukGCDcR9rGWtp6NJOvCMk82OEYa7SnF_oQyfHc_eVFwTGeDLhzUuLjkiW51cJI9a/s400/k4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Join me in gliding along the backwaters in a 'Kettuvallam' or the traditional Houseboat. Earlier these boats with coir and bamboo roofs were used as cargo boats but nowadays they are used as 2-3 room houseboats cruising along the Malabar coast. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143662008223759282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UYPrwRfl6RtWBFzW-bxQKdq3c75knlqffbdoWTGa2w_wzVWCPjmAa7W7juBu0ikJFvQpBanobcYFemgXfM4nqdVQYqyACGZY7V1emmszW4isGyeIgx47Ri0aexhlw4BUXI1qMZhv2j3S/s400/k1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />A passage along the side of the boat. The boat is lit by oil lamps in the night. You can see a traditional brass lock on the door.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143662008223759298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuK48nwLsm0embBOL2WDDrdIoEXFleb_AT-x8cPnwkHcPMfc5g0CpxwobB-Ltq-oxFDMUO2BecVJLhOl5KXqHLqrJXC7U76ZBo5-meGcSrOvD2frXMhKWXx8UelzsEtJw50kps-G3BVvZ/s400/k2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />A small deck at the tail of the boat from where one can watch the magical sunsets in the backwaters.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143662016813693906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_hIQUOCaevYfMHeAtynHP0yvHwIsXQeT9KhePyXiieBfhCBoWMXSS3s5Ok7RVDRgKTeeGrBEO57Ch5P3PvJn-9U9Qz_1WmmWVNkRhJXXoRFBlIvnXRO_6cqvgLrTeJNCVYl0IcQMNQ-O/s400/k3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The arches of the boat have been constructed with palm-leaf matting, woven into a bamboo frame and tied together with coir ropes <em>(very eco-friendly, I must add)</em><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143662025403628530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtldas5HWCq9w_QWDIMuwMRukfpZ8ZSKd0L7Pfp8V-cJMApgN-EanAgTa84Tor8gWnK-nf4Nsl1ErEezrumJkHWsoCINXDX0DlRW-LVnn7_MLVihMB0NgvGHeJ3Q81QLWNwvarnYSijT9g/s400/k5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Imagine sleeping under this romantic canopy and waking up to the gentle sound of the oars splashing the water.....<em>now that's a thought!<br /><br /></em>On that note, I take your leave for a couple of weeks. I am taking a 'Winter Break' and will be doing some travelling and practicing loads of photography:-)<br /><br />Meanwhile do check out <a href="http://freyclark.typepad.com/neece_clark_shop/">Neece Clark's</a> Shop Online. She has some amazing paintings up for sale for the holidays.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143666041198050306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaaH4Ii64F_GL9fhFAPTMYdNyqV4n5zIdAqhyYvj03GwcMPdhZYZBIBZUnWyplsUYAS71ttnRMY107UoNBcWfhUvFnb9AOL9UDmhGj9-PRVzURtkWDXyMmhV35seq5le8dkJqbdCsaqoA/s400/neece.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Will also be keeping my eyes open for fellow blogger <a href="http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.com/">An Indian Summer's</a> Bazaar which is opening in January 2008.<br /><br />So do visit her too where she will be bringing to you '<em>...an eclectic mix of select Asian and Indian crafts and products of exquisite design and high quality.'<br /><br /><br /></em></div><div></div><div>Happy Holidays to all you lovely people!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><em>( Images from Vogue India, Dec 2007 & Indian Interiors, Taschen)</em> </div></div>

Two for joy, immense joy...

...wondering what I am talking about? Today I am sharing with you not one but two great spaces which have got imprinted on my mind ever sinc...

Read more »