Cochin (or Kochi as it has been called since 1996) is a major port city of 600,000 located on the southwest coast of India.
Following are some typical street scene photos.
At this stop we decided to take a ship-sponsored tour rather than explore on our own as usual. After a short bus ride across town we boarded some boats to visit a local village on an island in the backwater.
The water was only a few feet deep and the boats were propelled with long bamboo poles. The "poleman" walked along the edge of the boat.
Fishing is a primary occupation for many of the people. Some use these Chinese fishing nets.
The net is lowered into the water for 5 to 30 minutes then raised to catch whatever has wandered in.
This catch included a few shrimp a small fish and a leaf.
Another method of fishing is by casting a net.
This method resulted in one shrimp and one fish. I would have thrown ‘em back but they said "No way, that’s supper tonight."
They also farm-raise crabs in ponds. A little more meat on this catch.
Instead of raising the crabs to eat they export them for the money. In preparation for transport they tie the crabs powerful pinchers with twine.
Safe for a touristy photo.
Cochin being in a tropical area of India palm trees are abundant. We got a thorough lesson in all the ways they utilize this versatile plant. (As a fact to the tropical nature of this area, the lowest temperature on record was 18 degrees C, that’s 64.4 degrees F) It was in the 90’s on the day of our visit. One of the first and most popular uses from the palm tree is drinking the liquid inside of a coconut.
They also climb up to the top of the palm tree and extract liquid from the palm branches to produce other drinkable concoctions.
As Tom Hanks found out in the movie "Cast Away" getting inside of a coconut is not an easy procedure, unless you have the right tools and a little know-how.
Once inside you can get to the coconut "meat". This lady is removing the meat of the coconut to produce grated coconut. You can also obtain coconut water, coconut milk and coconut oil, each requiring different processes.
The outer husk of the coconut is also used for many purposes. After soaking in water for up to 6 months to soften it the husk is beaten with sticks to separate the outer hull from the fibrous inner material. The outer hull is then used as fertilizer.
The fibrous material can then be spun into rope. This lady is demonstrating an old hand method of making the rope.
We also saw a demonstration of making coconut rope utilizing a state-of-the-art mechanical method.
Following a close inspection the rope was approved for use as a clothes line.
This lady was weaving the palm fronds into a mat.
The palm fronds can also be used to make a broom.
Approved for use.
This lady was making cigarettes. Not a palm tree product.
Cooking fresh-water clams.
Dance show by local girls
And to top the tour off, a ride in a tuc tuc (pronounced took took for the sound their small engines make). These little three wheelers where originally produced in Italy in 1948. They are now found throughout many parts of the world used primarily as low cost taxis. They are often highly decorated by their owners.
Nice ride in the tuc tuc, though the suspension could use a little improvement.
Next stop The Maledive Islands.
