We can take our own on board, so we charge our driver with the task of finding us a wine and beer outlet on the way there. There are government-run liquor shops where the sale of alcohol is controlled and much cheaper than the wine and beer shops. The first one we stop at has a long queue, and although there is a designated tourist counter, the shopkeeper won't open it for some reason. So we leave empty handed.
We drive to a privately owned shop which the driver locates, hidden away, anyone other than a local wouldn't know how to find. We're beginning to feel surreptitious in our desire for booze! But it's ok ... We have beer!
Ah, but we need a drop of Indian rum too (it's delish!). So on again to another government shop - same queues but success this time. It's definitely a mans world - Julie and I remain in the car while the men wrestle their way through the throng - emerging triumphantly with a promising shape in a brown paper bag!!
And so now we can start on our last adventure in India.
The houseboat is not as luxurious as I have experienced before, but it is quaint, and just perfect and fitting for Kerala. It's a converted rice barge called a kettuvallom, made from coconut rope and planks. The exclusive vessel has 2 double ensuite bedrooms (darned uncomfortable bed with an aircnditioner that blasted freezing air directly down on to the bed) and staff of four totally devoted to us. We had a little dining area and day bed at the front of the boat where we lounged around watching the world go by as the local villagers went about their daily tasks.
We finish the day with sunset drinks of course!
What a blissful existence - it was so relaxing and calming after the craziness of our Indian adventure!
I think the pic of dad & Terry triumphantly walking with their booze is quite possibly my favourite pic of the holiday!
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