Wednesday, January 16th

What was it like on the Backwaters a few years ago?

I know! And it was different. Back then, there weren't countless small motorboats that restrict the whole experience on the total of 1900 square meters. It roars and rushes past you. Granted, it's at a somewhat leisurely pace. But unlike our boat, which is operated by hand with a large pole, it's still fast. We had a few minutes of peace two or three times. That was impressive. This silence, from which various bird chirping emerges, is pure relaxation. And the acoustics match the plants growing into the water, the overgrown trees, the mangrove forests, and the lush greenery. Okay, there's a tiny little 'but': the colorful plastic bottles, the Kingfisher beer bottles, the styrofoam pieces, etc. that float around in this natural environment, and not in small amounts, are a damper. They simply don't realize what they are destroying; an incredible treasure, a unique ecosystem... It's a shame.
During a short stop directly at an inlet, we could see the sea separated by a stretch of beach. Just as powerful as it is at our hotel. Rough and wild. Accordingly, the 'lifeguard' has his hands full. The Indian families that passed us by the dozen on our way, don't know any better. The toddlers in diapers were taken directly to the water without any fear. So, the lifeguard blew the whistle occasionally and then they took a step back from the surf. Well...
It was a great trip and a nice change from hotel life. Plus, I discovered so many things on the way to the docking point. Unfortunately, some of them are a bit far from the hotel and therefore not really accessible by foot: beautiful churches, temples, shops, markets, houses, and much more colorful stuff. I could take some great pictures there... But first, I have to make it outside the hotel gate. Go to all the shops and have 2-3 things tailored. But so far, I've been lacking the courage or, rather, the motivation: to be approached everywhere and finally bargain with the traders over prices (I'm really not good at that, so I'm avoiding it). But, as always, you will hear about it as soon as it happens!

By the way, yesterday evening's flute concert was not bad at all. On the contrary. I sat next to the restaurant on the floor and listened to the 3 boys up close for a long time and even recorded a few songs. I was actually in a bit of a panic when the event was announced. Fortunately, my fears of it being like the terrible whistles, high notes, and wild rushing around in Basel were unfounded. Phew!
I found it very fitting and enjoyed it. Pure India!

When it comes to musical performances or anything like that, I have a pretty comprehensive soundscape here. If you listen carefully and take your time! One bird stands out in particular. It sounds like a frog! Seriously, no joke! I've never seen it. Because every time I sneak up, the sound stops and it becomes invisible. Hmm! But there are chirps and buzzing everywhere.
And even during the massage, you get to hear quite a bit: the soft, girlish whispering of the two therapists, the animals outside, the sound of the hot plate warming up (which hums like a hairdryer on the lowest setting or more like our microwave in Kriens? Well, something similar at least), the other therapists chatting outside, the sea, etc. There is no complete silence here. Not even during yoga. Because there we are even closer to the sea and the sound of the waves is relaxing. Today, the gardeners around had a lot to do. Literally, they went up the palm trees! Smile. They cut off the withered leaves there so that they wouldn't fall on the guests. A good idea. It's enough for me to always stand BESIDE the palm trees so that the coconuts don't fall ON me. Occasionally, a crow also sits on the windowsill right next to the teacher, watches for a few seconds, and then gives its best with a loud caw! Somehow, it finds the elongated pieces of meat on the orange-colored towels on the floor interesting. Or it's laughing at us. We don't know. It is usually chased away so that we can continue doing the exercises in 'peace'.

The night was terrible..... woke up every 2 hours, pondered about God and the world, then dozed off again, then half awake. Honestly, it wasn't very restful.
This morning, it was the same program as yesterday. The nose is already feeling better and for the first time, I could even smell what I was eating or what Ajitha was smearing or dripping onto my body, eyes, and nostrils! But even the medicine... ugh! Bitter on the tongue and awful in the nose.