Reflections on Turning 51: What A Wild Year

As my 56th birthday approaches, I’ve decided to repost blogs I published about past birthdays. I wrote Reflections on Turning 51: What A Wild Year on April 25th, 2020 while we were living in Campbell River, British Columbia. So much happened from April 25th, 2019 to April 25th, 2020, rereading it was an emotional roller coaster ride down…

Mararikkulam North, Kerala, India – Six Week Vacation Summary

Our six weeks along the southwestern coastline of Kerala was memorable for sure. I thought the best way to summarize our time was to list key words and thoughts: Popeye, Olive, Yoda & Feisty Zena and Nipples Crows Feeding the dogs and crows at the beach Fishermen beach Fishermen Fishing boats Early morning fish markets…

Kochi, Kerala, India – Chinese Fishing Nets

As Michael and I continued driving north along the scenic ocean drive, Route 66 we entered into the district of Kochi.  Here, we discovered a few backwater canals with Chinese fishing nets. The look of them is very distinct, ancient even.  These are popular tourist attractions as it is not the usual fishing way in…

Arthunkal, Kerala, India – Fishermen Repairing the Nets

On our last full day in India, Michael and I drove north along the ocean on Route 66! Along the way were many spots with fishermen sitting on red nets, busy with sewing repair. Michael and I stopped so I could get pictures of these men among the vibrant red nets! The fisherman welcomed us!…

Alappuzha, Kerala, India – Red-Backed Sea-Eagle

During our backwater boat ride, we stopped at a popular tourist restaurant so I could use their toilets.  Here, I was THRILLED to see a red-backed sea-eagle IN THE EXACT SPOT I had previously seen one during the backwater boat ride included in my stay at Carnoustie Ayurvedic & Wellness Resort back in March! Here…

Alappuzha, Kerala, India – Punnamada Lake Backwater Boat Ride

Michael and I drove into Alappuzha for lunch, and decided to take a backwater boat ride. Canals of polluted water cut through the small city and are lined with boats and their tour guides, eager to take tourists for a ride. This is the off season, so we had a plethora of offers from tour…

Mararikkulam North, Kerala, India – Kerala Express

This train is FAST!!! As an added safety measure I’m sure, the barriers to prevent motorists and cyclists from crossing is lowered about ten minutes before the train whips by! Probably a good thing – because there is no stopping this juggernaut as she flies by! Here is a video of the train going by….