Friday 3 February 2012

Friday's Frock & Adventures In Kerala Part 2



Good old crimplene, this 1970s wench dress is so warm I had to shed my gloves and hat in town earlier for fear of melting. The rum did the trick, I slept until 6am this morning!

Ready for part 2 of our trip?


After a week of bumming around on Kovalam beach we caught the train to Alappuzha, the Venice of the East, 3 hours up the road. We hopped in a grand Ambassador taxi on arrival and headed for Champakulam, a village set on the banks of the sacred river Pamba.


We stayed at this pretty heritage home stay. At 2,600 rupees (around £33 a night) it was the costliest place we've ever stayed in India but it did include the most delicious pure vegetarian food we've ever eaten and exclusive use of a kayak.




We ate like Maharajahs seated on cushions in the stilted pavilion.


We spent our days lounging by the river, walking along the banks and reflecting on how life in the backwaters had barely changed for hundreds of years.

250 year old Syrian Christian church

Paddy field workers
We stumbled across a snake temple in the forest.

The temple tank
Snake worship is an ancient tantric ritual exclusively found in Kerala. The temples are maintained by elderly priestesses and the grounds are kept wild for snakes and other wildlife to come as go as they please.

The statues are anointed with oil and dressed each morning

I still get ridiculously excited at finding exotic fruit growing like weeds in the wild.





The local transport,




as seen from our verandah.


After a few days we caught the local passenger ferry for a 2 hour ride back to Alappuzha .


We checked into another heritage home stay. 


Bed & breakfast in this 100 year old house cost £12 .


There's always something interesting to look at in India.

I've no idea what this is all about but I laughed each time I passed it
I can't  resist South India architecture

Alappuzha is home to an entire street of umbrella showrooms.


These retro enamel signs are fab, aren't they? Jon wanted to paint out the "H" and ship one home.

Park Lane shoe shop

As usual I couldn't resist the lure of a new pair of fancy chappals.

The Malayam version of Herbie?


Kerala is known as God's Own Country, can you see why?

Part 3 to follow shortly.

Lace-up maxi dress (£7, Clothes Show Live)

Have a brilliant weekend and see you soon.


70 comments:

  1. Love you in plaits. Wish I could wear them but they make me look demented, so best not! More fabulous photos. You've inspired me to get mine out and remember good times. xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. You look so freaking sweet in this bright pink dress, bringing a bit of color to Black country. Your braids are adorable too, boy how I've missed you Vix. I love all the waterways I don't think I really got that before about India. The picture of you lounging in the swing chair made my week, that is how I picture you happy and chillin in the sunshine not a care in the world! Love all the green, wild fruit and the snake temple but I swear that crazy building with all the people on it...LOVE THAT!!!!! Too bad you couldn't bring that sign home for Jon, that'd be pretty cute.

    I got my package from you and love it!!!!!! That orange nightie romper....shut the front door...LOVE! So much yummy stuff from my favorite English girl!
    Bigkisses~
    Krista

    ReplyDelete
  3. Would so love to lounge by a river with you. Adore those plaits! Your dress is such a wonderful energy giver today. The colours are so merry. xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your photos are so beautiful.... makes me want to run away to exotic lands :-)
    Have a lovely weekend...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Stunning! How fantastic to see the fruit growing like weeds; so exotic and lush. Not so sure I'd like to come across the snakes tho! Alan Moore, who lives in Northampton, apparently worships snake gods. Each to their own, eh?
    Beautiful homes, with amazing settings. And wonderful food too.

    You look so cute in plaits! Good to have you back!
    Z xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Such Beautiful pics! I Love your hair that way. You are looking Fabulous as always.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your dress is a cracker! I really need to visit the clothes show one year as you bagged some amazing stuff.

    Part 2 was awesome, esp the temple in the forest, although i'd have been a bit wary of the snakes - eek! I adore those tine signs, i totally would have had to have one sent home.

    Im also chuckling over the 'surprise squad' although they probably werent as 'cheery' as they sounds ;o) Scarlett xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. I LOVE today's outfit. Gorgeous photos as per! ;)

    have sent you another email! :)
    x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi, looks fab! We are preparing for a trip ourselves (see my blog, if you are interested) but not as glam as yours!

    Love your dress - a little bit of springtime in Feb!

    ReplyDelete
  10. More fascinating tales and wonderful photos to match, it’s amazing to see a glimpse of Kerala; it looks like a truly beautiful and remarkable place. India clearly is your destiny Vix.
    Love those vibrant pink flowers and purple sleeves, and plaits to match xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Vix, you look so lovely and relaxed in that hammock! Gorgeous photos xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gorgeous photos, it looks amazing. It's freezing here so your photos are making me feel warmer!

    Your outfit is great too x


    http://everytimeatillrings.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lovely pics, it looks so idyllic.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can't tell you how much your photos make me want to book a flight. What an experience. Tremendous, can't wait for part 3. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi there Vix!
    So happy you have come back!
    I see you had nice vacations
    This is a beautiful place you went to!
    Pretty miserable here, snow, slush, rain, freezing rain, but it is mild unusual for us but us Quebecers are very happy.
    My shoulder is a bit better, less pain, no mobility. Going back to work at the beginning of March, can not wait, ouach! back to salt mines!

    Love

    Ariane xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kerala looks like such a magical and peaceful place to be. All the architecture is beautiful and I can't believe the prices of the accommodation. I'm loving your nature pictures. Your soul belongs in India!

    Love that dress, especially the sleeves! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ah your photographs make me want to go on a holiday so badly! Although I think we could only stretch to a log cabin in Ohio currently! Those sunny pictures have definitely brightened up my dark dull cold Michigan morning!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi my dear!! What a fabulous and exciting journey, it really looks so beautiful and relaxing, I bet you would both love to live out there, it certainly looks tempting! Loving your dress and wishing you a great weekend xx

    ReplyDelete
  19. These pictures are so much fun! What an adventure. Do keep an eye out for the Surprise Squad, though! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh wow, I love that van! It's so colourful! You lucky thing!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Enticing photographs. I love the photos of you in the swing...says a lot to me about the pace of life.

    ReplyDelete
  22. yay Vix you're home! Have missed you! Loving the pictures, never been to India before but it looks amazing. Loving the veggie friendly food too! Bet you're lovely and brown shame you've come back to the blimming baltics xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  23. Surprise Squad! The mind boggles! I love your pics so much - what a wonderful, wonderful place to visit. No wonder you are drawn back there! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Looks like such a beautiful and colourful place. I went to a snake temple in Malaysia. I couldn't help feeling a little uneasy even though they assured us that the snakes never woke up in the day.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Travelling envy! These photos are so gorgeous x

    ReplyDelete
  26. Beautiful post again. Those temples are something i would love to see and be a part of, not only for their beautiful designs and colours but for the spiritual relaxation they offer to you. One day Tibet is a place that is on my wish list. It looked so lovely and peaceful just sitting and watching the world float by. Thank you for sharing your lovely photo's. Your dress today is gorgeous. Just so you know I had to close my facebook account as i had a virus on there so im so sorry if you recieved loads of horrible videos. have a lovely weekend, dee xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your today's outfit is sooo adorable. One of my favourites so far of your outfits. Your holiday photos looks lovely. Almost makes me feel warm and forget that I soon have to go outside in the chilly weather.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Vix thank you so much for sharing such wonderful and beautiful images of such a amazing place. It's looks so very untouched. Heavenly.
    It's so lovely to see you back and catching up.
    Love V

    ReplyDelete
  29. WOW, what an amazing place! Thank you Vix, for sharing your holiday. You have made me open up my eyes to part of the world I knew nothing about. As always your style is amazing, I just love the maxi dress. Hope you are keeping warm in the UK, best wishes Penny_rose

    ReplyDelete
  30. Looks like a great place ... natural and so green. Must go on my next trip back home :)

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm loving seeing you trip through photos. I love the picture of the pineapple, really made m smile. The whole area looks amazingly beautiful. Em x

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love that dress. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and the adventures you had. It makes me want to see India so much. I'm glad you're back though, if you two decide to ditch it all and move to India make sure you still blog from there!! I missed you a lot :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Welcome back to the freezing cold - keep drinking the rum! Kerala looks fantastic, really beautiful, I need to go there. Soon.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Now I want holiday there even more.
    I love wench dress by the way it's amazing, gorgeous colous.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh I am sighing here, looking at your beautiful photos and wishing...
    Hmmm, wouldn't be quite as relaxing with 3 kids in tow, I feel!
    You look toasty warm and glamorous and gorgeous in your pink frock. Wonder if it will snow this weekend? More rum might be in order! xxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sooo interesting looking at your snaps and reading about your Indian adventures. Love your wench dress, those colours really look good on you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Your adventures always look amazing Vix! I would really love to travel to India as soon as possible! What age were you when you first went?
    I love your bangles-totally jealous of your jewellery collection too :)
    Rachelle x
    inspiredbytheretired.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Really enjoyed both your holiday posts, it looks like such an amazing place - I can see why you keep going back there! What a comedown coming home to these sub zero temps, boo! x

    ReplyDelete
  39. your adventures are fantastic, what a trip!

    p.s. I will continue posting on rockin' horse only, thanks for following!

    ReplyDelete
  40. living vicariously through you from sunny southern california. the fruit growing in the wild is just amazing. what a trip!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wonderful photos Vix. It looks absolutely stunning as do you.xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  42. Your photographs are gorgeous. Really give such a nice look at an exotic place that's so far far away. Love your dress too!

    Loulou Downtown

    ReplyDelete
  43. welcome back baby, hope u had a good time !!!!!!!!!!!!! there is a giveaway on my blog !! good luck if you enter, happy weekend

    http://www.like-mousse-au-chocolat.com/

    ReplyDelete
  44. You personify the idea that life should be an adventure... and you should always look fab enjoying it! So glad you are back with all your wonderful memories and adorable outfits.

    ReplyDelete
  45. fabulous - LOOK FORWARD TO TOMORROWS INSTALLMENT X

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love your cheeky grin in the first photo.

    You mentioned having a vegetarian breakfast yesterday and today. Is that the norm in India?

    ReplyDelete
  47. I've been so wrapped up in "life" lately I've just spotted that you are back! Off now to catch up on part 1. Lovely to see you , looks like you had an amazing time. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  48. Your photos are so beautiful that it makes me want to travel to India. What an amazing adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Beautiful frock Vix - also your photos are making India move further up the list on my places to visit!! All the places you stayed at look amazing and I too would be super excited if I found tropical fruit growing like weeds:)

    ReplyDelete
  50. PARADISE! Pure, utter paradise. Sigh. I am so ashamed I have never been there.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Such wonderful history & photos.....thanks for sharing as I found this very interesting! Love the heritage homes you stayed at! I really like like your lace up maxi too. Have a restful weekend as I can imagine the travel time is brutal.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Love Friday's frock -- then again I have an obsession with short over long sleeves. And with purple. Thanks for sharing the Kerala pics, sublime to ridiculous indeed. I've always said "India slaps you in the face, then takes you out to dinner." Crazy weird experiences combined with the most tranquil and pleasurable experiences. You captured that in your photos. Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. xx

    ReplyDelete
  53. Those photos are amazing! It looks like you're at home there. Lovely the colours in that frock. xx

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love the crimplene dress you are wearing. And also adore your hair in braids.

    I think if I saw that snake temple I would have ran away. Snakes scare the bajeeses out of me. I did love the photos of all the signs. Also the pavilion looked like such a nice relaxing place.
    I want a swing like the one your sitting in in the photos!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Stunning images ... 'Gods own country' is shining beautifully. The retro signs are the cutest. I love the print colour in your frock. Glad that you had such a lovely time Vix.

    ReplyDelete
  56. It looks such a beautiful place and so layed back. Just what you needed I would say.

    X x

    ReplyDelete
  57. I still challenge you to like India better than Australia or Thailand, LOL!! You're so cute in plaits, and I LOOOOVE the 'John's' signs, I'd have been busting for one too if I were him.xx.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Gorgeous photos a veritable feast!! xx

    ReplyDelete
  59. :whines:

    why won't you see the rest of the country, Vix?? :(

    ReplyDelete
  60. An interesting travelogue.
    Looking forward to part 3.

    ReplyDelete
  61. It really does look like heaven on earth. No wonder you go back time after time. Desperate to take a trip to India now!
    Sophie
    x

    ReplyDelete
  62. I want to stumble across a snake temple! I also want that dress.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Beautiful photos and I love your dress and hair. I love plaits xx

    ReplyDelete
  64. Oh Vix I have MISSED you!!! What amazing photos! It looks wonderful! I'd love to visit Kerala as my friends are from there!!!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Firstly you look lovely in your dress btw. Then for the holiday snaps, thank you for sharing, loved them all esp that swing chair, the temples , Popy and of course that wonderfully painted truck :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Vixcita,
    You look sweet as pie in your pretty pink frock. cute braids.John signs are so fab. I love how spiritual India cultures reminds me a lot of our Mexi ways.
    my fave pic is of you sitting looking so serene.
    Have you guys thought of moving to India amor?
    ~Besotes

    ReplyDelete
  67. Such a sweet dress!

    I'm with Jon on the retro sign; it would be perfect for your yard!

    And yes, I can easily see why it is referred to as God's own country. It looks beyond beautiful there.

    xo, Anita

    ReplyDelete
  68. Fuck a duck! You look spectacular in that amazing maxi, amor! The colours are gorgeous and I love your hair in those tumbling braids. Your travel pics are wonderful - the Surprise Squad is the bext sign ever!

    Love! Sarah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  69. Thanks to your blog and the photo of the 70's dress in particular I bought my first crimplene 70's maxi dress today in a charity shop! I had been feeling frumpy and mumsy since giving birth to my third baby in September and having always had the same ethnic style I was starting to get a bit bored and stale but your blog has inspired me to try a new direction! I had been feeling "past it" at 36, feeling I am now too old to try these things but you have really inspired me to just go for it! You only live once, and hey, 36 isn't so old! So thank you! Love your blog - keep going! xxx

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix