The backwaters of Kerala are slow and lazy. Just what I am in the mood for. In a small boat, I weave through the narrow canals that are waking up to a new day. There is a lot of cleaning going on...faces and hair, teeth and nasal cavities, sarees, dhoties and breakfast dishes. The smack of wet laundry on a flat stone echoes through the waterway. Smack. Smack. Smack.
The slow drone of the motor is hypnotic. As is the call to prayer and the song of the Kingfisher.
The water is very still in the small canals except where children are playing. Then there is a lot of spashing going on. Narrow paths run on either side of the canals for pedestrians, cows, the odd dog and bicycles. In behind you catch glimpses of rice paddies. The fields are very dry. There has been no waterfall for quite some time. Because of the shortage of rain there are often power cuts throughout the day.
The narrow canals offer a respite from the sun. Coconut and bananna trees line the waterways and are beautifully reflected in the water. Clothes lines and churches and water containers can also be seen reflected. People line up for the delivery of fresh water. A little social time.
Everyone seems to share in the sport of fishing. Simple poles made from branches and a simple fishing line with bait. Simple. That describes the life in the backwater.
The boats range from what looks like a hollow gourd, to elaborate houseboats. The racing boats are quite magnificent. But there is no racing going on here right now. Things are slow and lazy. Just what I am in the mood for.
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