Ship AHOY!!!!!

NO! is my favorite word. Even before I know the issue, request etc i inherently say NO! So this year I decided (Very much like the movie Yes Man) i'm going to say Yes! to every new experience that i would initially say no to. So when Megha asked us to come to Kochi International Fashion Week, for a good 15 minutes I kept thinking of reasons I should not go. Then i mentally chucked away that cons list and went anyway. It was an opportunity that might not show itself again or maybe next time my cons list will win.

Day 1 , 2 and 3 went speedily amidst the fashion world and its DRAMA!  But for 3 hours  on day 2, I was in true heaven. From our hotel the port was 5 minutes away and we took a catamaran to Fort Kochi.

As soon as we reached we were greeted by eagerly awaiting rickshaw drivers, it was a bit overwhelming and with the fright of being swindled we decided to ask this lovely shopkeeper for advice. (This is what i love about the people in Kochi, they are kind, informative and oh soooooo sweet.) She told us we should hire a rickshaw for 2-3 hours for rs 400/- and see all the sites Fort Kochi had to offer.

A huge part of my moms childhood was in Kochi, and my entire childhood i have heard tales of this heaven on heart. I was very eager to see more. Our Guide/driver Yasser decided the tour route and we happily let him. Out of all the places he mentioned i was very eager to see the Dutch Palace. I dont remember the sequence of events however i do remember going to Kashi art cafe, a Museum which is built on top of the remains of the original Fort of Kochi.... where I also got to see one of the most inspiring and interesting artifacts which was aparently a typical Kerala Lock. The Manichithrathazhu Door Locks in its ornate glory also has an important message for everyone. You can see the image below

This particular lock is a symbol of unity as it has the half moon symbolic of islam, the cross, the trishul, 7 candles for the jewish faith and an image symbolizing the chinese faith. I was so awe struck by this, and hence plan to paint this image in glass and add it to my main door.
We also went to the beach and got to pull the chinese fishing net and i have to admit Namrata and i had a lot of fun.

 

My mom's school

On our way back from fabulous Fort Kochi, in true Aashu, Gabby and Namu style we got LOST! On a freaking boat..... we boarded the wrong boat and ended 20 mins away from Wellindon Island. Not gonna include MG's mom, cuz she very sweetly accompanied us wherever we wanted to go. We eventual reach teh right port. and miracle of all miracles we get a rickshaw that takes us back to casino hotel to end our lovely sightseeing say.