It's a hard life for some.....

Friday 21^st September: Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala

Well Friday was almost a ‘ditto’ day for Marianne’s report, with a couple of notable exceptions.

The ‘usual’ choice of activities started the day: yoga, gym, sleeping in, a swim in the pool at our back doors and of course a fabulous breakfast.

For some the Dosa Masala and chai, for others a more traditional breakfast of omelettes or eggs (cooked in front of your eyes) and all of the trimmings - or an interesting combination of both. Despite resolutions to not eat so much we seem to be finding the tempting food too much to resist!

Then the last session of the Conference kept our minds engaged and challenged. Sue’s session on spirituality was a practical look at how to incorporate this important aspect of life into our interactions with others. Then we moved into the modern world with a fascinating look at Sue’s online presence (pros and cons!) and then a panel talking about their experiences of social media and personal implications of its use. (pros and cons again!). Marianne led a lively discussion with the panel members, Anne Sue I., Jan and Elaine, whilst the observers made notes about checking their Facebook settings, how to hashtag and much more.

Last but by no means least we ended the Conference with a discussion about the future of the W&P Conference concept. Despite lower numbers this time, it was clear that there are many attendees, both present and absent, invested in making sure it continues.

Enjoying the 'snake'pool as it winds it's way
past the back of everyone's villas

We rewarded our demanding work with a leisurely lunch and some quiet time before we reassembled in the garden overlooking the lake for a cup of chai from the tea pavilion.

It’s a regular afternoon ritual from 4.00-5.30pm every day. The chai is fresh and fragrant, and a plate of interesting unnamed fried snacks come with it. Fried banana of course (made with firm bananas so not slushy) an Indian version of a doughnut and coconut rolled around rice balls was the selection. 

However, after the array of breads, salads and numerous curries for lunch there weren’t too many eaten!

The next exciting adventure was a trip across the lake in another form of boat (we’ve experienced a few recently!). Jenny was in charge of the gin, and with great forward planning ensured that ice, lime and tonic water were well-supplied. I must say that it was a lovely experience - cold G&T in hand, hot cashews and freshly-fried anchovies for snacks, a cool breeze, comfortable chairs and great company. Very hard to improve on that!

Anne doing a lovely Titanic impersonation (fortunately with no singing!)

A friendly Purity staff member
in their sari (saree here) uniform
  which has peacock feathers around
 the hem and even more
 in the scarf section

We crossed to the other side of the lake, which is apparently 250-300 kms long and 8 kms wide, before arriving at our destination, Purity.

                                          It’s a boutique hotel and art gallery situated on                                                the opposite banks of the lake to the Resort.

After a look around and yet another G&T we assembled in their garden to watch a beautiful girl perform some of the many Hindu stories – a few too many for some but we had to complete the sequence.

It was a little difficult to follow the story entirely, but it definitely included five husbands who gambled and drank, a baby, sadness and then the finding of the perfect lover. Not sure that’s the complete story 
really!!

After the performance we took photos of the girl, only to discover that she was only 13 and still at school. She’s been dancing for 8 years and was accompanied by her dance teacher and grandmother.

Dinner was another treat: basil tomato soup, duck curry, fish baked in banana leaves, deconstructed caramelised pineapple crumble, coconut ‘porridge’ and more.

To get home we jumped on the bus and traversed a rather bumpy bridge back to the resort on the other side of the lake.

Then it was definitely time to do some packing before falling into bed.

Your far too well-fed and slightly tipsy correspondent

Dianne

PS Here's some photos of the rooms at Kumarakom Lake Resort: gorgeous!

The beautiful lock on the front door of our villa:
beautiful craftsmanship and a different one for every door

Jenny at the front door of our villa

The room looking towards the snake pool, a few steps
from the patio door

Cormorans perched on posts in the lake

I think our laundry somewhat destroyed the
 aesthetics of the lovely outdoor bathroom!