Arriving in Munnar on Friday evening….
Arriving in Munnar Friday evening – January 6, 2012
Workers are making their way home after a long day…. Tea shrubs are everywhere. The air is so fresh and clean.
Rolling tea shrubs – January 6, 2012
The geography changes into a landscape of rolling teas shrubs and countless shades of green.
First glimpse at Munnar – January 6, 2012
As we’re driving through Munnar and getting closer to our hotel, we catch our first glimpse of the sun setting over mountains of tea plantations.
Morning view from Blackberry Hills Resort and Spa
This is a view from the great big picture window in our villa at Blackberry Hills Resort and Spa in Munnar.
Neck deep in tea! January 7, 2012
Munnar is a never ending rolling tapestry of quilted green patches of tea sewn together into the rich brown earth. Its beauty is beyond words. I now know what my mother was trying to describe. Sam and I have been friends since my first days in advertising. Both of us share a love for traveling, art, people and shopping. So when she heard my sister and I were traveling to India, she couldn’t resist joining us. Sadly, my sister, Priya had to head back to the states, and is in flight while we play like children in the tea shrubs. We are completely intoxicated by the beauty that literally envelopes us.
A lesson in tea – January 7, 2012
Our tour guide teaches us about the different processes tea goes through in its transformation from freshly picked tea leaves to tea. Growing up, his parents worked on the tea plantations during the day, and cultivated their own vegetables during their free time to sell in the local markets on the weekends. When I asked what people do during their free time, he replied, “There’s no free time.” I was speechless, and felt guilty for asking. Our young tour guide spoke in perfect English. We were in complete awe when we discovered that he is self-taught! The people here are truly remarkable.
Crushing tea leaves – January 7, 2012
Tea passes through a series of machines as the leaves are crushed and comes out as tea grains in the end.
Man carrying wood – January 7, 2012
As we walk through the tea plantations, we get to see a slice of everyday life on the plantation.
Village life in Munnar – January 7, 2012
Along side a dam, we found a little outdoor market for locals. Cows are like citizens in the town. Here’s one taking a nice afternoon stroll.
Communist rally – January 7, 2012
These friendly young boys were on a run promoting an upcoming communist conference. Communism looks a bit different than the old gloomy Russian images I grew up with in the 80s.
Political Conference in Munnar – January 7, 2012
Munnar’s all decked out in red flags, gearing up to host a communist conference. It reminds me of artist, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Gates Exhibit in Central Park in 2005.
Hindu Temple, Munnar – January 7, 2012
Temples in Kerala are full of color and animated rounded deities. Here’s a beautiful temple in Munnar.
Hindu Temple, Munnar – January 7, 2012
Beautiful vivid carvings in Munnar’s Hindu Temple.
India’s version of a bodega, Munnar – January 7, 2012
Our tour guide points out this father and son shop as one of the most successful stores in Munnar. Goods packed and stacked, it’s an example of India’s own version of a bodega — from eggs to magazines, and everything in between.
Woman and bananas – January 7, 2012
I turned around and noticed this woman’s beautiful green and blue sari complimented the green bananas. I couldn’t resist asking if I could take her picture. She gave me a gracious Indian head nod, signaling, “yes!”
Hindu Sadhu in Munnar – January 7, 2012
I believe this man is a Sadhu, a wondering Hindu monk. His orange lungi and markings across his foreword look similar to the Sadhus I’ve seen years ago in Pushkar (Rajasthan).
Daddy’s little girl – January 7, 2012
This little girl was just so cute. Her parents were selling goods along the sidewalk when we spotted her. I think we frightened her with our hellos. She quickly went to hug her daddy. Definitely daddy’s little girl. Look at those big brown eyes.
Back at Blackberry Hills Resort
Back at Blackberry Hills for a little Indian vino while we catch the sunset. The property is filled with trails filled with fragrant spices and plants like cardamon and vetiver.
Sunset at Blackberry Hills – January 7, 2012
Painted skies at sunset…
Full Moon at Blackberry Hills – January 7, 2012
A beautiful full moon competes with the stunning sunset until the sun disappears behind the mountains.
Ayurvedic Massage – January 7, 2012
Kerala is famous for their Ayurveda spas and medicine. The evening is topped off with Ayurvedic massages. Medicated oil is placed into the brass bowl and steadily pours into a gentle stream on the third eye, taking you to a very calming, nearly outer body experience.
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