Kochi: Rain, Rice, and Seriously Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm chai. i landed in kochi yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a thing. it’s not bad, not great, just… intensely kochi. the humidity is clinging to everything like a damp towel, and it’s perpetually drizzling - i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the air smells like saltwater and something vaguely floral, maybe jasmine? it’s a weird combo, but i’m kinda digging it.
my hotel, the ‘pearl’ (seriously, the name), is in fort kochi. it’s basically a crumbling colonial building with a surprisingly decent rooftop terrace. the view is… well, it’s the back of other buildings, mostly. but it’s shaded, and there’s a guy selling mango juice. small victories. i spent the afternoon wandering around the chinese fishing nets - they’re massive, like giant, wooden spiderwebs. i watched a bunch of guys hauling them in, it was kinda hypnotic.
found a little place for lunch - some kind of seafood stew. someone told me that the best place to get it is near the harbor, but i ended up at this tiny spot tucked away in a side street. it was… spicy. like, really spicy. i think i sweat out a gallon.
seriously, the people here are… something. they’re all smiles and waves, but there’s this underlying current of quiet observation. like they’re sizing you up. i overheard a conversation at the cafe - `
Someone said, “The spice merchant’s daughter is leaving with the boat builder. Don’t ask. Just… don’t.”
` wild, right?
i’m trying to figure out what to do tomorrow. i’m thinking of checking out the synagogue - apparently, it’s one of the oldest in india. or maybe just getting lost in the spice market. it’s a sensory overload, but in a good way, i think.
if you get bored, [Kochi] are just a short drive away. there’s a whole other side to this place, apparently. i’m also checking out the Mattancherry Palace, which is supposed to have some amazing Dutch architecture. i found a good review on Yelp: `
“The palace is beautiful, but be prepared for crowds. And don’t forget to haggle for souvenirs in the market!”
`
my phone’s dying, and i’m pretty sure i’ve lost my sunglasses. this is my life now.
*Pro-Tip: Bring bug spray. Seriously. Like, a lot. And maybe a fire extinguisher. Just kidding… mostly.
Gear List: Camera (obviously), waterproof bag, mosquito net, ridiculously large hat, a phrasebook (i’m failing miserably at the local language), and a whole lot of patience.
Local Advice:* Don’t trust anyone who offers you a ‘special’ discount. It’s probably a scam. I heard that from a guy at the bus station, who was also wearing a very suspicious smile.
I’m heading to a place called ‘The Rice Boat’ for dinner - apparently, they serve the best Kerala cuisine. I’ll update you on that.
check out this TripAdvisor page for more info: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293531-Kochi_Kerala-Vacations.html
and this local board for events: https://www.keralatourism.com/kochi
and for some good eats: https://www.yelp.com/directory/kochi-restaurants