Spices and Salwar Kameez in Alleppey
After a while in Varkala, Lex and I were ready to move on. One charming thing about India is the prevalence of train travel. We arrived at the station early enough to grab a bite here before traveling north to Alleppey.
It’s nice to know that almost everywhere in India, vegetarian food is close at hand.
This family was also awaiting the train
On the train headed to Alleppey…I think…
Ummm… we may have gotten on the wrong train. It was only temporarily wrong and we were able to switch at a station up the track. The wrong train didn’t stop us laughing.
We did not exactly rough it with our accommodation Alleppey. We stayed at the Punnamada Resort
There were even flowers on the bed
We stayed on the edge of the backwaters, a picturesque spot for sunrise
One of the hundreds of houseboats
We watched two women fully clothed in saris jump into the water. At first I thought they were bathing, but soon it was obvious they were fishing for something. We observed as the women kept ducking under the water and coming up with something in their hands.
The door to our room at Punnamada resort
View from the breakfast table
After a leisurely morning, we borrowed bicycles from the hotel and rode into town.
Though there were many place to buy spices in Alleppey, this guy was just terrific at his job.
Nutmace
Star anise
Nutmace, star anise, and Alleppey cinnamon
After loading up on spices, Lex wanted to get a Dhoti, which is Indian sarong for men. It ended up being a much longer shopping spree for me attempting to buy a Salwar Kameez.
Just an idea of how extremely crowded the store was
When the shop keeper knew I wanted a Salwar Kameez, he introduced me to Mini. She was rather mini, and a tremendous help. She made the whole experience enjoyable.
Salwar Kameez #1
Salwar Kameez #2
Salwar Kameez #3
Mini told us this was the new style of Salwar Kameez. Sure enough, I did see plenty of Indian women wearing these who looked stunning. It made me look like a human bell. No.
Now I think that #3 looks the best. I bought #1, which needs to be tailored. Maybe I should take it to Climax Tailors and have some work done there.
Thankfully, Lex did end up getting a dhoti…
Nearing sunset, we cycled home from the traffic to quiet small lanes. Once in the out of the city and in towns, many people would shout hello, smile, and wave. Sometimes I felt like a celebrity.
Hindu temple in Alleppey amongst the chaos
Back at Punnamada
Post cycling in the heat, the pre-dinner swim felt fantastic.
My arm was feeling better. In the morning it was finally time for a yoga class. Ahhh.
The reason we came to Alleppey, was to be out on the backwaters. Time to go on a houseboat.
Land of Infinite Possibilities 
Belle, It would not allow me to post a comment. What I said was the best part of the blog was hearing your voice and laughter. You are a human Bell(e) 🙂
Thanks Vend,
In the end it did let you post a comment. As is probably obvious, I love the interactions on the videos where I’m laughing. It was a lot of fun.
I love the human Bell(e) 🙂
Oh Elizabeth – you’re bringing back memories of my Allepey-Quillon boat trip over twenty years ago.
So glad to see you’re having such a great time and look so well!
ps. Was the French woman still selling croissants at “Clafoutis” bakery in Varkala?
Love,
Jeremy!
Hey Jeremy,
Thanks for the comment and compliment. Clafoutis was still there. Not sure about the bakery though.
More to come,
E