KodaiKanal and Alfie

We have the most amazing experiences! I don’t know how it happens, but it does regularly! We meet fabulous people, who welcome us, and take us under their wing, enhancing our journey all along the way.

Our new friend...Alfie

While waiting for our connecting bus at Pallani station to get to KodaiKanal, we stop for a masala chai at the booth just inside. It is 3:30 in the morning! Chandran (‘Alfie’) the owner of the shop, offers us chai. He refuses payment (even though we each had 2 cups) and we spend the wait talking together. Alfie is a retired sailor who has spent many years in the United States and Canada throughout his career. A native of India, he has several business ventures in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, all of which are related in some way to tourism. He, too, was on his way to KodaiKanal, and he and I sat together on the bus. Not only did Alfie insist on paying for our bus fare, but by the time we arrived to our destination, he invited us to be his guests at his hotel in KodaiKanal.

Our original plan took us to Karuna Farm where we spent a glorious 3 days of Nature hikes, mountain climbing and quiet time meeting new friends. It was a joy to be surrounded by young people, all seeking the same quiet, peaceful time. Many of the guests are Israelis and we made some very wonderful new friendships. On our way out of KodaiKanal we decide to include a visit to Alfie and an opportunity to absorb the culture of the town.

Arriving at his hotel he has a pot of masala chai waiting for us. He welcomes us with so much gratitude and joy! As if we were doing him an honour. We knew from his brochure that the fees for a room in his 3 star hotel is 1100 rupees. From us he wanted nothing! “You are my guest.” He says often.  “You pay nothing to me.” We insist on some payment. “Okay, okay.” He says, “Whatever you want to pay.” He agrees to accept 500 rupees for the night.

Bonfire, food and friends!

The night we spend at Alfie’s is incredible. Inviting several of his friends to dinner and bonfire, we have a wonderful party together with music blasting and laughter and dancing and fun. We offer to buy the whiskey! Everyone was happy!. The homemade food (made by Alfie),  spicy and delicious, enhances the multi sensory experience.

Just stopping to talk

Alfie made arrangements for a friend to take us all around the city of Kodai Kanal. Its name in Tamil means "The Gift of the Forest".  Referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations", KodaiKanal has a long history as a retreat location and a popular tourist destination for travelers of all origin, including Native Indians. Parks, markets, temples, and the hustle of every day life make our day full and exciting. The people here are, like Kerala, so warm and gracious and sincere in their welcome.

Along the route I see a sign for an International School. Interested to investigate, we drive through the main gates to check out the administrative offices. After some introductory conversations, I speak briefly to the Vice Principal in charge of Academic curriculum who expresses interest in getting together for possible professional development for his teachers. I love the idea of working next year for some time in Tamil Nadu. And it seems like they might be eager too! The universe just keeps opening up!

On our way to Madurai, now, where the largest Hindu temple in all of India stands. Instead of travelling by bus we are offered a ride in a car with Anbu, who is in KodaiKanal for his Law practise. He’ll be driving back to his home tonight in Madurai. That’s exactly where we’re going! So instead of bussing it, this evening, we’ll be travelling with him…. yet another friendship developing and another example of the universe providing for us in her entirety!

Our saga just keeps getting deeper and deeper.

Beautiful women making the gardens beautiful