Jew Town

Jackamy
Paul & Derry Harper
Sun 6 Feb 2011 04:08
 
Sunday 6th February
 
As it was our final day in Cochin Amy decided to wear one of her sari's, the attention she attracted whilst in the fruit and veg market was incredible. Everyone was calling her Miss Kerala and saying that she was wearing a beautiful Kerala sari. No more nasty stares from anyone, they all loved her! The market was an interesting experience, to start with the streets outside were lined with bunches of bananas, I've never seen so many. Then we were part under tarpaulin and part out in the open air. We could have done with more air though as we were choking in amongst it all, the air was so dry that it was difficult to breathe, it wasn't pleasant. The fruit and veg however was very pleasant, it all looked very fresh and tasty and we bought bag fulls.
 
 
  
 
Bananas everywhere
 
  
 
The men were carrying anything and everything on their heads
 
  
 
The vegetable stall we chose
 
  
 
Sacks of veg everywhere
 
We spent the afternoon back in Fort Kochi, I wish we could have spent more time there, it's a lovely part of town. Our first stop was lunch at Dal Roti's and once again it was delicious. We even placed an order for around 60 dishes, they aren't all for us, they're to share between three boats, but if we could find a home for that many dishes I think we would have ordered them. Ramesh and Kalpana really are a fantastic couple with a great little business. Ramesh was even kind enough to dash out to buy Amy some bindi's to complete her look and then Kalpana drove us to Jew Town at the other end of the old town for a spot of shopping.
 
Jew Town is a bustling port area and the centre of the Kochi spice trade. Scores of firms huddle together in old, dilapidated buildings and the air is filled with the biting aromas of ginger, cardamom, cumin, turmeric and cloves. As well as the spice markets the streets were packed with lots of antique and curio shops with everyone hassling you for business. The place had a great vibe to it and we spent the whole time smiling and talking to people as we made our way through the shops. Once again Amy attracted a lot of attention in her sari, everyone wanted to talk to her.
 
Time flew by and we had a great afternoon, before long we were back at Dal Roti to collect our order. It was quarter past six and the restaurant opened at six thirty and there was already a queue outside. By the time we were finished around seven thirty the place was full and buzzing with a queue still stretching out the door. Great food and great service!
 
  
 
Sol Maria leaving (their emergency visa ran out yesterday and they were forced to leave).............Jew Town
 
  
 
The day is winding down by the river.............A beautiful little girl selling postcards