Snow Leopard and the Last of Our Adventures In Kerala

As usual the winter weather led to most of the country grinding to a standstill. Not for us though, it takes more than six inches of snow to stop us hitting the town centre for beer, curry and a catch up with friends. Jon tutted at me going out in high heels but I ended up having to hold him up after he fell over twice walking to the pub (and that was before he had a drink).

Looking at me all snug in my trusty fake leopard coat it's hard to believe only a few days ago we were basking in deliciously balmy 35 C (95 F) temperatures. You'll be relieved to hear that these are the last of our travel pictures. 

In awe at yet another temple.

After a week of exploring the backwaters we hopped on the train to Varkala, a sacred village where Hindus immerse their loved ones' ashes into the ocean and home to many temples as well as the most spectacular beach

Ganesh, anointed with oil, dressed in a mundu and ready to face the day.

We stayed in a large airy apartment in a peaceful garden, a stone's throw from the beach, just shy of £7 a night.

View from my hammock

Some people choose to sit in a tourist restaurant eating scrambled eggs, muesli or pancakes but not us. Why travel halfway across the world and eat something you'd cook at home?

Masala Dosa with sambar and chutney , (a crisp rice flour pancake stuffed with spiced mashed potato, lentils and onions, served with vegetable stew and coconut chutney)

Every morning, just after sunrise, we headed to Dhani's Cafe for crisp Masala Dosas and Nilgrili filtered coffee.

After breakfast we'd walk for miles,

people watching,

and window shopping.

We chilled on the beach by day until the sun set,

then after a shower and a quick change of clothes we'd head to a chilled restaurant to drink beer from china mugs

and fill our faces with fiery vegetable curries, crispy pakoras, chilli chips and curd rice.

Dress courtesy of the divine Sarah

We adopted street dogs and fed them our leftovers.

We heard there was an annual elephant festival taking place in a city an hour inland so we caught a bus and joined in the fun.

Over 40 comparisoned tuskers in one parade.

Thank goodness for the Emergency Elephant Care Unit.

The locals seemed to find us more interesting than the procession.

How amazing are these automated floats?

Back to grim reality again, that is until April when hopefully we'll have enough cash to head back to Goa.

1960s Astraka coat (£2, church sale), 1980s blue leather pants (£3.30 British Heart Foundation), Alexis platform boots (£20, Topshop sale 2011)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.