Day 7 - Cruising down the Kochi Harbour & shopping

After driving around Kochi, we decided to take a boat around the harbour.


The view along the Kochi coastline





Fisherman everywhere...



The trip was slow, so we were able to look at the Kochin city beach line from a distance. The new Dubai maritime port and the other sights along the way. The weather was humid, hot and sticky...the breeze on the boat and shade were a welcome relief. Sea birds rested on seaweed that dotted the surface of the harbour, fisherman threw out their nets and the locals went about their daily lives. Being as everything mundane was exciting to us, we observed in silence.



Hoping he is successful - looked alot of work!

We landed at a tourist destination called Mattanchery on Jew Town Road. This area is full of every item you would ever think to find in India. Antiques, jewels, textiles, books, delicious food, sculpture and paintings. My Aunt Josie ended up buying a few gifts and I bought a very unusual amber ring.



"Mum, Australian customs do not like wood, so just forget about looking!"



It's very expensive in Jew Town, so you need to start bartering at 50/60% below their first price and work up from there. In the end, I didn't buy anything other than a pair of arab pants, traditional shirt and a beautiful wrap around reversable skirt. This cost me just under $20 Aussie.

The views were all interesting, but our "Clayton's" guide was pathetic. He had popped up on deck with us "twice" for 30 seconds to say this island is called and that is called and then run back to join the skipper below.



Textile shops galore



"Please madam, come in and sit down. Let me get you a cup of coffee.

I have good price for you"....



Add caption

At the end of our 3 hour trip he had the nerve to ask for a "tip". I told him clearly "We paid good money $3000 rupees ($60) for this boatride, Australian price and YOU did not perform well as a guide, you didn't even help my Aunt to get on/off the boat. NO you get NO TIP!"



So many jewelry stores....so little time!



Loved this, but where would
I hang it?