I am arrived. After a long haul around the world and one stupendously long layover I have arrived in Trivandrum, Kerala, India---without getting lost even once. The adventure began while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive at the airport. One lost piece of baggage (surpisingly not mine), customs cleared, and out the front where a man was holding a sign that said Iowa University. We took that to mean University of Iowa--and forgetting there was another group from Iowa right behind us--we hopped in the cabs and were promptly deposited at the wrong hotel. Our poor compatriots from the other group had to wait at the airport until everything was sorted out and the vehicles sent back for them.
We made it to our hotel only to find they were not expecting us until later in the day. Given that it was around 7am local time, it was admittedly a bit early. But breakfast was being served and it was wonderful! We got our rooms and some of us had time for naps or a walk-around before lunch. I took pictures but alas, that little piece of equipment that transfers them from camera to computer is sadly lacking; meaning that it is safely still in Iowa. I know how much you wanted me to share my daily intake of food ;).
Even though this is a large city (more so for me than India, with an aproximate population of 1 million), there are few tall buildings. I am told that up until a few decades ago local law did not allow buildings taller than the tallest mature coconut tree on the property. Although coconut trees get pretty tall with some I've seen standing 50 feet, that's still only 5 stories. Our hotel is one of the few that rise above the numerous coconut trees. I know that there are businesses, streets, vehicles, and many people down there but they are mostly hidden from view; leaving the few tall structures seemingly unconnected and adrift.
It is warm and humid here and I'm thinking I may need to pick up some lighter, more breathable clothing. No shopping today though as most everything is closed on Sundays. The religion here is apparently evenly divided between Muslim, Hindu, and Christian with many different sects. The government is democratically elected and sways between socialist and centrist parties. I look forward to learning more about this very interesting culture!
We made it to our hotel only to find they were not expecting us until later in the day. Given that it was around 7am local time, it was admittedly a bit early. But breakfast was being served and it was wonderful! We got our rooms and some of us had time for naps or a walk-around before lunch. I took pictures but alas, that little piece of equipment that transfers them from camera to computer is sadly lacking; meaning that it is safely still in Iowa. I know how much you wanted me to share my daily intake of food ;).
Even though this is a large city (more so for me than India, with an aproximate population of 1 million), there are few tall buildings. I am told that up until a few decades ago local law did not allow buildings taller than the tallest mature coconut tree on the property. Although coconut trees get pretty tall with some I've seen standing 50 feet, that's still only 5 stories. Our hotel is one of the few that rise above the numerous coconut trees. I know that there are businesses, streets, vehicles, and many people down there but they are mostly hidden from view; leaving the few tall structures seemingly unconnected and adrift.
It is warm and humid here and I'm thinking I may need to pick up some lighter, more breathable clothing. No shopping today though as most everything is closed on Sundays. The religion here is apparently evenly divided between Muslim, Hindu, and Christian with many different sects. The government is democratically elected and sways between socialist and centrist parties. I look forward to learning more about this very interesting culture!
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