New Year’s day, we leave New Delhi, for the southern state of Kerala via IndiGo Airlines. Flying IndiGo airlines is like a time machine trip into the old glamorous Pan Am days. Sadly, I was politely told to put my camera away on flight, and wasn’t able to take my own photographs of these lovely airline hostesses, but I found this picture on the internet to illustrate the polished hair bob wigs (yes, they wear wigs!), red lipstick and the sexy retro-chic uniforms. The IndiGo stewardesses walk off the airplanes into the airport with a coordinated strut as they roll their tiny carry-ons behind them. Takes me back to the days when women aspired to be a chic and well-traveled airline stewardess. Almost how young girls may view fashion models today.
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IndiGo sandwich carton, en route to Kerala from Delhi – January 1, 2012
I loved everything about this airlines: the discount they gave me for my extra 20 kilo in excess baggage weight charges (I paid 1500 rps/$30 instead of 2000 rps/$40), the spacious and cushy seats, the ever so stylish and courteous crew, and the clever airplane cartons my delicious cucumber, tomato, chutney sandwich came in. So delicious, I ate it before I thought to take a picture. Go IndiGo!! Wish you flew in the US.
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2012 in Kerala
Our first days of the new year are spent in the beautiful state of Kerala. Boasting a literacy rate of 99%, Kerala is India’s most educated state. It is famous for it’s back waters, Ayurvedic treatments, tea & spice plantations and yoga. The people in this state are full of warm smiling faces.
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Retro Hindustan Ambassador car on bridge over back waters – January 2, 2012
We start off on the southern end of the state in Kovalam… The retro Hindustan Ambassador cars still look as they did when they were first launched in 1958. They gift us with a daily dose of nostalgia and a visual of what India looked like when my parents were kids.
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Banana Truck, Kovalam, Kerala – January 2, 2012
India has some of the cutest trucks that just make me giggle out loud. I mean, my American “big car trained eye” can’t help but take a double take at this banana truck. I swear it looks like it was made by Lego. I love the proportions and the bright yellow color.
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Keralan Moustaches – January 2, 2012
All of the men in Kerala sport the same moustache. It was uncanny. Every time we asked them why they wear moustaches, the universal reply with a smile and Indian head nod was, “Because that’s what the ladies like!”. Classic! I’m digging our boat driver’s red shirt. Maybe I can convince those Williamsburg boys to start wearing moustaches and fitted retro rugby shirts next summer.
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Keralan woman near market – January 2, 2012
We asked our tour guide to take us to the markets where the locals shop, and what we encountered was a lovely taste of authentic Keralan life. Here’s a woman standing near a bus stop. I love the old dusty bicycle. India is a country that values fixing old things and lengthening their life rather than discarding for new and shiny.
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Little pop up store stalls – January 2, 2012
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Local market in Kerala – January 2, 2012
Smiles every where (even the man in the blurred background is flashing his pearly whites). This man was so happy to see us. He’s dressed in a lungi, a fabric sarong commonly worn by men in Kerala. The local market is filled with colorful every day products stacked, creating a bit of eye candy for us.
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Local taking picture of Sam in market with his mobile phone – January 2, 2012
- Clearly the intrigue was on both sides. Here’s a local Keralan taking a picture of Sam in the market with his mobile phone. Right back at you, babe! Sam’s fair skin gives her movie star status in India (especially in non-touristy places). Notice the ubiquitous moustache.
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Kids in school in Kerala – January 2, 2012
Walking through the market, we found ourselves in front of a school. The kids broke out into laughter when they saw us with our cameras. Such joyous faces and the most adorable plaid uniforms. The teacher actually came out smacking a ruler against her hand to see what the commotion was all about. A bit camera-shy, she scooted back into the school-house before I could capture her.
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Sunset in Kovalam, Kerala – January 2, 2012
We’re back in our beach town in Kovalam to catch an Ayurvedic massage performed with medicated oils, and then watch the sunset on the mysterious Arabian Sea.
Jewelry and deities store in Kovalam – January 2, 2012
Kovalam is a hilly beach town with stores and Ayurvedic massage spas lined up along a steep winding, narrow road. After dinner, we waunder into a little shop filled with jewelry and carvings of Hindu gods. Krishna, the shop keeper (who is named after the Hindu god known for playfully breaking the rules and showing generosity of his love), gives us a lesson on Hindu deities. I find an antique make-up holder made out of brass. Too heavy to bring back home, but exquisite. Each compartment opens up like a flower petal.
travel with pallavi 