We got up at 7:45 after another good sleep. The limitations of a small bathroom slowed us down but we are more than used to this from home. Breakfast was better than yesterday as we now knew how it worked. We started with fruit and fresh juice to refresh, than Indian or Western to follow. Ms Spymon had pancakes and maple syrup, I had the Indian option, which today was a potato curry and parathas, delicious but not spicy at all.
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We had booked a car for 9:30 at the hotel's suggestion which was too early as N & G had to change some money first. In the end we left around 10, much to the annoyance of our driver who came at 9:15. We arrive promptly at around 10:45 at Ernakulam Town Station and the driver seems to be in a better mood. We knew he wasn't all bad as he had two small stuffed dogs in the back, one was most beagle like much to mine and Ms Spymon's delight, but that's a story for another day!
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Train: Indian Railways Train 16308 Alleppey Express, departs 11:10, ACCC Class, Seats C1 66 and 67
The train information boards at Ernakulam Town Station were hand written and directed us off and over the bridge to platform 2 for our train to Alleppey. Two trains come and go and then its our turn. As our train was running a little late, I asked at the information desk where we needed to get on and it turns out that our carriage is right next to N & G's as we are right next to each other in D1 and C1. After the mad dash down the platform at Coimbatore, today it turns out we are in just the right spot for our carriages. The train was pretty empty and we made ourselves at home. The AC was lovely and cool and we had 6 seats to ourselves.
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At the first station, Ernakulam Junction we bumped into the Australian couple we met on the Ooty train who were sat in the four seats next to ours. After exchanging pleasantries we retreated to our books, window watching and me writing up notes for this report. As we approached Alleppey, the scenery became more lush, with palms, rivers and pools of water, this is what we had been looking forward too.
The train made up it's time and we arrive into Alleppey Station bang on time at 1 PM much to our and it seems everyone's surprise. We waved good bye to the nice Australians, took our things and found N & G on the platform and hauled our cases over the footbridge and made our way to the exit.
Our driver found us and asked if I was Mr Spymon and that we were going to Ourland. We asked if there was space for our friends, after convincing N & G to top up their adventurers budget to join us. A quick phone call later and they agreed to let N & G come with us and we were on our way to Ourland. We drove out of town and down through some back roads, eventually turning off on to a narrow, raised dirt track that led through the paddy fields till we got to the river. A phone call was made and soon an old man in a rickety old boat came to meet us as we wondered how on earth we'd get ourselves and our luggage across in one piece.
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After some wobbles getting on we were away as we were paddled across the river to our home for the next few days, a small cottage at the water's edge and only two other guests on site. We sat outside for a bit before being called over for lunch and formalities.
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We took our seats for lunch and some lovely plates of food turned up. First some bitter gourd and coconut curry, followed by some plain rice, Chinese potato curry, green bean and chilli dry curry, grilled fresh river fish and some popadoms. The food was delicious and spicy but not too hot (slightly toned down for us apparently) the gourd curry and potato curry were particularly tasty. We completed our check in formalities and returned to our rooms for a shower and rest.
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In the next part we head out for a stunning sun set canoe trip and a wonderful dinner back at the resort. Here's a little video clip to give you an idea of what to expect:
http://youtu.be/hrOl4yIxWWY