The day had begun at 5 AM and we'd hurried through the morning chores so that we could have the maximum time with the others. today's programme was centered on our excursion on the Muziris trail. The bus had arrived well in time and by about 9, we'd set off on our course to Kodungalloor, the start point of our journey by boat in the backwaters.
The synagogue, built in the 16th century(Now in a state of neglect), is the oldest in India. The cruise that followed was along the Paravur backwaters, which is a part of the state's Kollam - Kottappuram waterway. Sahodaran Ayyappan museum where he'd organised the famous combined feast for the Ezhavas and the lower castes on the basis of his argument, "You complain about being demeaned by the upper castes but you behave in a similar fashion with the people of the castes lower to yours which should be shunned". The guide, Shibu, himself a renowned musician was very enthusiastic in conducting us through the tour and had given me a brochure that spoke of his personal achievements but I'd forgotten it in the boat which was an irreverent act on my part. Apologies, young man, will make up for it.
Incidentally, Pandit Karuppan and KP Vallon were contemporary social reformers. Chattambi Swamikal and Sree Narayana Guru were the trail blazers.
We, then, visited the Manju Matha church at Kottappuram. The name was given based on the belief that in 1791, when Tippu Sultan attacked this place, this church and the adjoining places were saved by a miraculously formed fog due to which he was forced to abandon his plans and set off in a different direction. The next in the itinerary was the Marthoma church at Azhikode. This church has a bone, believed to be from the hand of St Thomas, the disciple of Christ who'd come to Kodungalloor in the year 92 AD.
After a lip smacking lunch, we also visited the Paliyam palace where the Paliyathu Achhan resided. He and his followers were traditionally the prime ministers to the Kochi kings. We went through their 'naalukettu' and certain other buildings which are of gigantic proportions and dimensions! The buildings' interiors. the beams that held the roof, staircases, furniture, cooking utensils, implements, weapons and such rare artefacts on display were awe inspiring and a rare sight to behold. Considering the period of their construction, it was an educative trip for me who got a fleeting glimpse of Kerala's history which I'd, unfortunately, missed during my school days as the focus was on world history.
We'd returned to our hotel by about 5 and after a quick wash and change, we're back in room 222 for a great meeting. The interaction was superb as it was the last evening together and I, even, sang the 'Pakalkinaavin sundaramaakum' on the karaoke during the impromptu entertainment put up by us! It was a great interaction.
Tailpiece.
Mohanachandran's medical bulletin.
"Sitrep......''In ICCU and in 'Dangerously ill list'.......his Hb had dropped to 7.8 and was given a bottle of blood. Opened eyes in the morning for a short duration. For the first time his right leg twitched and reacted to pain. Needs to be more stable to be moved out of the ICCU to the stroke ICU". From Suresh Laxman.
Our get together is slowly coming to an end. A few of us are leaving by the early morning flight! Thanks Vipin, for the flawless arrangements.
The synagogue, built in the 16th century(Now in a state of neglect), is the oldest in India. The cruise that followed was along the Paravur backwaters, which is a part of the state's Kollam - Kottappuram waterway. Sahodaran Ayyappan museum where he'd organised the famous combined feast for the Ezhavas and the lower castes on the basis of his argument, "You complain about being demeaned by the upper castes but you behave in a similar fashion with the people of the castes lower to yours which should be shunned". The guide, Shibu, himself a renowned musician was very enthusiastic in conducting us through the tour and had given me a brochure that spoke of his personal achievements but I'd forgotten it in the boat which was an irreverent act on my part. Apologies, young man, will make up for it.
Incidentally, Pandit Karuppan and KP Vallon were contemporary social reformers. Chattambi Swamikal and Sree Narayana Guru were the trail blazers.
We, then, visited the Manju Matha church at Kottappuram. The name was given based on the belief that in 1791, when Tippu Sultan attacked this place, this church and the adjoining places were saved by a miraculously formed fog due to which he was forced to abandon his plans and set off in a different direction. The next in the itinerary was the Marthoma church at Azhikode. This church has a bone, believed to be from the hand of St Thomas, the disciple of Christ who'd come to Kodungalloor in the year 92 AD.
After a lip smacking lunch, we also visited the Paliyam palace where the Paliyathu Achhan resided. He and his followers were traditionally the prime ministers to the Kochi kings. We went through their 'naalukettu' and certain other buildings which are of gigantic proportions and dimensions! The buildings' interiors. the beams that held the roof, staircases, furniture, cooking utensils, implements, weapons and such rare artefacts on display were awe inspiring and a rare sight to behold. Considering the period of their construction, it was an educative trip for me who got a fleeting glimpse of Kerala's history which I'd, unfortunately, missed during my school days as the focus was on world history.
We'd returned to our hotel by about 5 and after a quick wash and change, we're back in room 222 for a great meeting. The interaction was superb as it was the last evening together and I, even, sang the 'Pakalkinaavin sundaramaakum' on the karaoke during the impromptu entertainment put up by us! It was a great interaction.
Tailpiece.
Mohanachandran's medical bulletin.
"Sitrep......''In ICCU and in 'Dangerously ill list'.......his Hb had dropped to 7.8 and was given a bottle of blood. Opened eyes in the morning for a short duration. For the first time his right leg twitched and reacted to pain. Needs to be more stable to be moved out of the ICCU to the stroke ICU". From Suresh Laxman.
Our get together is slowly coming to an end. A few of us are leaving by the early morning flight! Thanks Vipin, for the flawless arrangements.
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