Kerala Diaries - Onnu

Two weeks after staying at a hotel with complimentary wifi and breakfast at M.G.Road in Kochi, I learned that every motorized vehicle here is a prospective killer. In these super small lanes, the vehicles go super fast. I have a new phobia now of crossing roads beacuse you never know which vehicle decides to surprise you. Even the government buses; they do not run, they fly. When I first saw a KSRTC bus, I noticed that there are only open windows; no glasses. Later when I boarded the bus to go to Allepey, I got to know that there are shutters inside the windows. There are no glass windows probably because of the heavy rains; the shutter type windows are easy to move up and down and need less maintenance. The big M.G.Road earlier known as the Seventy Feet road is reduced to half its size due to the Metro; "work in progress". But the size of the roads do not matter here — everyone likes to go zooooom.

KSRTC Buses:  Source

Unlike Mumbai where people always run —after the trains —after the buses —while going to work—while returning back home —when going for a movie —when not going for a movie; here in Ernakulam, people are full fursat-mey and the vehicles are full ghaai-mey; exactly opposite to Mumbai where people are always running but the vehicles are not; because they are always sttuck in traffic. Talking about these two cities, there is a Marine Drive here in Kochi too; obviously, no match to the ambience and the aura at the Queen's Necklace. The most important highlight for a Mumbaikar on the Kochi Marine drive is the Goli Vada Pav! It had been years that I didnt have a vada pav in these two weeks and when I saw this stall, I couldn't have asked for more.

Just near Marine Drive, there is Broadway —not the theatre; it is a market. A super speciality wholesale market where each shop sells products of one particular trade; spices, paper, pens, toys, carpets, brass items etc. The market is full of hustle-bustle specially because it is the festive season. The spice shops were full of a beautiful mix of smell; elaichi, pepper, cinnamon, curry leaves powder were harmonizing the bad air around. 

Broadway: Source

The city closes down too early. After eight or nine o'clock, hardly anything is open. The state festival of Kerala; Onam concluded a couple of days back. As I come back to the hotel, the staff is removing the marigold toran and the other decorations; the fancy lights are still on though. I took the wifi password from the reception —connected the wifi and it was as slow as the city. So, I put on my earphones and listen to some songs; it was the first time I heard hindi for the day; felt like home. See you in Kerala Diaries - Rendu.