Good morning, good afternoon and good evening readers,

Today I visited the Jewish quarter of Fort Kochi. There are so many different religions and ways of life in this once place. But like a patchwork quilt with hidden seems, all contrast in colour yet all belong in the fabric of this town. To say this area of Kochi is beautiful would do it no justice. Full to the brim with antique stores, art galleries and cosy cafes, one can see the true creativity of the residents. I am yet to enter a cafe where I cannot picture myself sipping masala chai and writing these words to you all. I wish I could transport all my loved ones here and we could remain, rested and connected.

I wander through the streets with this lovely girl I met at the hostel, called Iris. Though she pronounces it differently, her name is my favourite to have ever been created. We walk through staggered streets of brass and blues, copper hues and multicoloured flashes. Spices and lavender tickle my nose, transporting me into another world, another lifetime.

One of the endeering things about the south, is that many of the tourists are Indian. One mother and her daughter stop to take a selfie with us. After having lived in Armenia, I am well used to the stares of amazement at the complexion of my skin. After a complete sensory overload we make our way back to the hostel.

Iris is travelling to Goa today, but I am staying put. Usually I am passing through, but here I live in a parralel universe. I don’t feel drawn to the join the backpackers rat race. Living in the hostel with everyone in transient around me, it doesn’t feel right. I admire them for their curiosity, but I feel there is more to do here for me. I envisage myself meditating in the morning and writing long into the evenings. Tomorrow I hope to return to Juliet’s homestay. Like the heavy steel ships of Fort Kochi, the backpackers will continue to bustle their way through the port. Whilst I sit patiently at my Chinese fishing net, dipping it into the sea, praying I get the daily catch.

In rested peace,

C x