Caffeine: the cause of and solution to all the world’s problems.

The south west coast of India is a storied destination with a rich history. Up in the mountains of Munnar there is a tea plantation which is clearly vying for “worst road in the world” award but the views are spectacular as are the ancient machines used to roll, sort and grade the crop. Kochi is more what I had erroneously expected Goa to be - a laid back colonial outpost complete with an “oldest synagogue in the [insert caveat here]” and an almost entirely jew-less “jew-town.” The huge rain trees shading the streets of the old port only enhance the faded charm.

I would skip the standard houseboat thing - it is mostly charmless - but a small late afternoon boat tour of the “backwaters” is well worth the time.