Kerala Backwaters

From Kerala Backwaters

From Kerala Backwaters

From Kerala Backwaters

From Kerala Backwaters

The sheer amount of (for lack of a more poetic word) things we have seen in the two and a half weeks of being here is hard to reconcile in our minds. Each place has been so different than the last, in almost every way. We went from being freezing cold and walking around temples to draping ourselves on a beach wearing nothing but a bikini and sarong. But to say that I expected anything like what we experienced in Kerala would be a lie. There is no way to comprehend the pure pleasure that cruising down the backwaters in an enormous boat will bring.
We walked onto the boat, took a look around, and within 7 minutes had all decided 24 hours wasn't enough, and we booked 2 days, 2 nights on the spot. I will not be able to accurately describe the boat in all its splendor, so you must look at all the pictures. Two stories, private master bedrooms and baths, and a lounge area as large as my living room at home. Oh wait, did I mention private chef? Freshly caught fish, fresh water prawns, and the most wonderful traditional Keralan dishes.

Both days we got plenty of time to jump off the boat and go swim in the canals. It's really hot here now, so to jump in and cool off was beyond amazing. We blew up rafts, took life preservers and all cruised down the canals floating on whatever we got our hands on.

The most beautiful part of our cruise was the wedding ceremony between our friends Udo and Marco. We had discussed their desire for some ceremony while traveling with them in Hampi, but by the time the seven of us reached Kerala together, it was a planned affair. Randi wrote a beautiful, touching ceremony and we decorated the boat's upstairs lounge with flowers, candles, and incense. India is such an inherently spiritual country, and to be able to participate in such a beautiful spiritual ceremony between two loving men was an honor for all of us. I wish Udo and Marco all the happiness in the world and I thank them for allowing us to be such an enormous part of this experience.

Of course, what kind of wedding doesn't throw down with music and booze?! We moved the dining table in the downstairs lounge and created a huge dance party (thanks to Randi and her travel speakers!). I could have stayed on the boat for another 7 days but Goa is calling...