Mountains

We’ve landed again. This time in Kumily, Kerela. Kumily is well known for its jungles with wild animals, and tea plantations. Coffee and various spices also grow abundantly here. It is a huge conservation area, relying heavily on tourism to show off the natural beauty and God given gifts.

The bus ride here was completely uneventful. We left Ernakulum on time (8:00 am) and arrived in Kumily according to schedule (2:00 pm). It was a relatively short ride. I slept some, read some, and also had a chance to appreciate the changing scenery. As I listened to R.E.M. on my iPod, I thought of Jonathan (he loves R.E.M.) and home, and felt so good.

The views along the way were spectacular as we wound our way through bustling villages into the dense forests of the mountains. I must admit there were some moments that frightened even me! It would have taken just a sneeze to shift our bus over the edge.

The place we found to stay is incredibly comfortable. It sits along the road of an uphill village. It’s called The Rainbow Inn. That could be because it is painted with about 15 different colours. It reminds me a bit of an amusement park. The people are incredibly friendly and eager to help us plan our time here. It is family run with the women cooking, the men cleaning and planning and the children doing whatever else needs to be done. Surrounding the Inn is a regular village with hundreds of huts and cabins and shop fronts. Everywhere are people with sincere smiles and words of welcome.

We had our dinner on the rooftop of the Inn and even had two beers with our deliciously homemade meal. Kerela is generally a dry state so we have not had too many beers since we’re here. So far we are finding this place perfect.

For the first time since we’re in India we have a TV. in our room. Paul is so thrilled and planning to wake up for a 5:00 am start to the Super Bowl on Monday morning.

I just hope it doesn’t interfere with our elephant ride!

High up in the mountains, Kumily is cool and breezy. Sitting on the balcony we noticed the clean air while we ate our dinner. Along with our conversation we could hear the vibrant energetic activity taking place in homes. So many homes. So many people! So much activity….everywhere. It’s a wonder there are no high rises anywhere. People just live side by side by side by side….happily!