Today is a take it easy kind of day with normal morning activities – gym, breakfast, Sharon lecture about mindfulness, Bruce’s lecture about what, we can’t remember!, lunch onboard, with our late arrival at 2pm.  We have absolutely no plans on shore today as we know we have to go through Immigration – although it should (emphasis on should!) be easy since we’ve already done the whole process on board.  We spend our time on our balcony during the sail in, with excellent views of the Chinese fishing nets and a wide angle view of the harbor as we make our way around Willingdon Island to our birth.

We’re off pretty quickly, and through Immigration surprisingly easily.  Wow.  We’re sort of impressed.  So now, it’s wandering – which we do, heading to an ATM (which looks sketchy as all get out, but is actually fine with the typical guard included), then off to the end of the island for a super expensive – but good –  my first glass of Sula!! – drink at the Taj Malabar resort.  Hey?  We’ve got nothing else to do, and there isn’t much else to see on this island – it is mostly residential and Naval base. 

On the way ack to the ship, we researched the ferry schedules for tomorrow, snapped some shots of an abandoned (maybe), dilapidated (definitely) building, then back through immigration (sheesh) and on board for evening.

Normal afternoon/nighttime activities, this time with an addition of an Indian folkloric/cultural show with traditional Kerala dancing and Kalaripayattu, the ancient marital arts that traces back to the 3000 year old ancient martial art forms. Extremely good and entertaining – although not for a whole host of folks who came in, sat, and then left within 5 minutes of the performance starting.  What’s up with that?  It was a really great show and a good example of the culture in Kerala.  Sigh…..people….. The rest of the night is spent hanging out on the balcony, reading then watching some shows before retiring.  Tomorrow, meandering in the Cochin proper.