After another dump in the "toilet that refused to swallow", we closed the lid to the bowl for the final time and left for good. The hotel owner was not around when we went downstairs, so we had to hand the keys to his staff and indicated the best we could on the room's condition. Based on their bland facial expressions, they either understood or already had full knowledge about the horrors of the room!
Riding out, we passed the carpet and souvenier shop again. Again, the owner was standing on the street, pleading for us to pay him a visit.
After breakfast, we braved the little roundabout at the cross junction between SH40's Mullackal Road and VCNB Road, then followed Vada Canal to the West before turning right on SH66 to head north for Kochi.
Once we hit the coastal road of SH66, it was a sweet ride. We passed many churches and resorts along the way. Making a stop at Marari Beach, we were intrigued by the basic rafts used by the locals for fishing. It looked totally not sea-worthy, especially for the huge Arabian Sea!
Our next stop was Arthunkal Basillica in Arthunkal, a 16th century marvel by the Portugese. Disappointingly, the old church is dwarfed and hidden by the newer church.
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| The older bridge that traverse the river runs parallel to the motorway |
Leaving Arthunkal, we soon met with an inlet that guided us all the way to Andhakaranazhi Beach. All along, we caught glimpses of paddy fields and village homes but the sceneries became more enchanting as we approached the beach.
Dotting the waterways were Chinese fishing nets! It was enthralling to see the men lower the nets and pulling them up at intervals! However, the catch were just tiny morsels of fish!
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| In the vicinity of Kandakkadavu seawall |
It began to drizzle right after Kandakkadavu seawall. It was also here that we met 3 cyclists enroute to Goa!!!
We soon ran out of luck as the drizzle advanced into a full rainy day. Looking out for lunch, we only spotted a bakery and cool bar which was not exactly a nice stopover on a cold day! Finally, we managed a takeaway snack comprising of samosa and vadae from a shop which was all ready to close for the day as the rain began to flood the roads alongside it.
Even though Kochi was slightly more than 10 km away, the last leg was a slow plough for Claudine. Somehow, Peanut was not moving as fast as she willed it to go. She will only realize when the day is over that her front bearing was coming to its end of life!
The rain became heavier when we arrived in Kochi. Seeking temporary shelter from a roof in order for VT to check his bearings and consult Google for food recommendations, we peered into the beautiful gardens of Ann's Residency. The familiar place was never in her budget range but the knowledge did not deter her from approaching Ann for a viewing and to check out her rates.
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| Mary's kitchen is located at the rooftop. They also offer comfortable rooms to stay with ensuite bathroom @RM60 per night, twin sharing. |
Even though Ann offered a lower rate than published on booking.com, we did not take up her offer until after lunch. We had to nurse a stomach that had gone beyond hunger, at 3 pm! In between, we scouted for a few more places of choice.
It was still drizzling when we returned to Ann's. We immediately felt at home in her lovely house, warmed up by her caring and giving nature.
Thankfully, the sky cleared up in the evening. Riding out in search of bike shops that carry the beautifully hand woven baskets, we found out that they were actually made by one single person who only sold them to Jaybharath Cycles!
Krishna of Krishna Cycles Stores was such a nice person. He patiently pointed out Jaybharath Cycles to us on google map and helped Claudine lube her front bearings. He used Singer oil and only applied from exterior but it was the gesture that made a lasting impression!
That night, we loaded up on Briyani from Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe. A popular joint with an affordable price tag, the service was fast with a high turnover of customers. The briyani was very different, seemingly cooked with ghee. It was very oily, rich and sweetened with raisins. Best for sharing, in my personal opinion!
Watch Chinese Fishing Net in action :
https://youtu.be/gC9QpwIXQMw
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