Varkala – or this is why I quit my job

  So we finally arrived in the south. At a balmy 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the change is immediately apparent, even more so in the relaxed attitudes of its people. Gone is the rush, the chaos, the multitude of individuals, the trash on the streets (mostly). Varkala is a small town, at least on the Indian scale, of about 42,000, located on the cliff coast of the Lakshadweep Sea, which is directly connected to the Indian Ocean.  Lush green of the palm forests contrasts amazingly with the blue of the water. A wide path along the sea leads you from hotel to hotel. Restaurants dot the way, perfectly situated for a view of the colorful sunset.  As with any place that offers a view, tourist touts are alive and well, especially as they try to pull you into shops along the way, every single freaking time you walk by.

  We found a hotel room, right by the ocean, with a private veranda and bathroom, for 450 rupees per night, or about $9 for two people. Blue Marine has some of the friendliest staff we've met so far. At their request, Pawel shared most of his music with them. 

  We laze away the days at the beautiful Black Beach, our biggest concerns the possibility of a sunburn or a whack from the falling coconuts. 

Pawel even took up bodyboarding.

 We simply lose track of time. We fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves that seeps in through the open windows (thank you mosquito net!). 

 For dinner, we usually wander the main path in search of the tastiest fresh catch of the day, be it fish, crabs, prawns or mussels, which then gets cooked up on a tandoori grill. Finger-licking good.

Delicious barracuda

Sometimes there are quiet moments when you just realize that life is good. Away from the hassle of a job, of daily responsibilities, of the regular routine, life is pretty perfect right now, actually.

Tomorrow morning we leave for Allepey, the entrance to Kerala's famous backwaters. Take care, and, for those who celebrate, Merry Christmas!