Trips and countries
-
The Queen of The Arabian Sea ( Kathy -Fort Kochi – Feb. 24)
Check Instagram. Reel about Fort Kochi. Version en français plus bas. My memory loves to play tricks on me. Some years back, I embarked on a journey aboard the Netravati Express from Mumbai to Ernakulam*. A captivating 22-hour journey, provided everything went smoothly. Upon reaching the station, a strong desire to stretch my legs overcame me, leading me on foot to the Boat Jetty. There, I aimed to catch a ferry bound for Fort Kochi*, a destination awaiting my exploration for the very first time. My attention was immediately captured by an unusual sight—servers adorned in turbans at the Indian Coffee Houses. Right across the jetty, a little gem of…
-
Keep it Clean (Kathy – Fort Kochi – Feb. 24)
Commentaires en français plus bas Russian tourists clean Kerala beach: Govt asks officials to clarify Times Of India – TRAVEL NEWS, KOCHI / Updated : Feb 2, 2024, 12:53 IST Photo courtesy: Representative Image/Canva In a striking display of civic responsibility, a group of Russian tourists recently took it upon themselves to tackle the mounting garbage problem at Fort Kochi beach, exposing a stark contrast between Kerala Tourism’s depiction of pristine beauty and the grim reality on the ground. The incident unfolded through viral videos and images capturing Russian tourists cleaning up the beachfront. After collecting the garbage, accompanied by a message urging locals to take charge of their environment. This spontaneous act of…
-
Just a Perfect Day (Kathy – Kumarakom- Feb. 24)
Version en français plus bas My birthday eventually took an enchanting twist, thanks to my friend Nathalie who pulled off the most magical surprise: a boat escapade through the backwaters near Kumarakom, Kerala. Early this morning, we hopped on a traditional shikkara, all set to dive into the captivating waterways. Kumarakom’s backwaters unfold a lush tropical scene with palm trees, coconut groves, rice paddies, and charming villages. The sun drenches the green shores in a golden glow. Our boat glides effortlessly over calm waters, creating an atmosphere steeped in tranquility. Nathalie orchestrated a bespoke experience, complete with an attentive crew and a meticulously planned route. Right from the get-go, the…
-
A Nice Twist (Kathy – Kottayam – Jan. 24)
Version en français plus bas Unexpected events unfolded that morning. I set out before sunrise to catch the train from Guruvayur to Ernakulam. I dozed off, only to be jolted awake by the announcement of “Ernakulam.” I hastily disembarked to realize, much to my surprise, that I was in… Aluva. Undeterred, I approached the information desk to inquire about the next train to Allepey. Luckily, the morning train was running several hours late and was due at platform 1. Spotting it, I noticed it was bound for…. Chennai. Returning to the desk, the attendant repeatedly directed me to take the next train on platform 1. She pulls the same trick…
-
Let’s Coop Together (Kathy – Alappuzha – Jan. 24)
Version en français plus bas When delving into the economic and social fabric of India, one discovers an enormous living network of cooperatives that weave connections beyond economic boundaries while bringing transformative change in various sectors. These collective entities are not just organizations; they reflect the communal spirit that characterizes Indian society. These collective organizations, founded on democratic principles and focused on the common welfare, have become catalysts for socio-economic development in the country. In the vast fields of India, agricultural cooperatives are like oases of solidarity. They not only facilitate production and marketing but also create spaces where farmers share their experiences, support each other to overcome seasonal challenges,…
-
India, een grootmacht met soms griezelige groeipijnen (De Standaard – 25/11/2023)
English translation below Women stroll in Kodaikanal, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. — © getty De grootste bevolking, de grootste groei: India lijkt klaar voor een grote sprong voorwaarts. Zo beloftevol als de economische toekomst lijkt, zo duister zijn de politieke en maatschappelijke demonen waarmee de ontluikende wereldmacht nog altijd worstelt. Nico Tanghe Wie grote steden bezoekt zoals Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Ghandinagar en Bangalore, merkt het meteen: India richt zich economisch volop naar het Westen. Trager dan buurland China, maar toch. Nu de geopolitieke omstandigheden China veel minder aantrekkelijk maken als goedkoop productieland, openen westerse bedrijven massaal nieuwe fabrieken in India. Premier Narendra Modi, een diplomatiek evenwichtskunstenaar, speelt…
-
WORDT INDIA HET NIEUWE CHINA? ( De Standaard – 26 Jan. 24)
English version below https://www.standaard.be Beste lezer, India stak China in april voorbij als land met de grootste bevolking ter wereld. Het land wordt steeds meer een alternatieve fabriek voor de wereld en is een gegeerde partner van westerse bedrijven. Toch ligt het gevoelig dat managers uit lagere kastes leiding geven aan teams van hogere kastes. En hoewel India ook de grootste democratie ter wereld is, werd enkele maanden geleden een Indiase separatist vermoord. Ondanks het groeiende belang van India voor het Westen, kennen we de Indiase cultuur amper en reizen we er zelden naartoe. Voor deze reeks spraken we onder meer met critici van het regime-Modi en trokken we naar Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad en Pune, maar ook naar…
-
Thiruvananthapuram – Vanross Junction + Arcade (Kathy – Chavakkad – Jan. 24)
Version en français plus bas The Indian Coffee House at Vanross Junction stands out as the most unique of them all. Nestled within a charming building, it unfolds like a labyrinth, each small room adding to its distinctive charm. What truly sets it apart is the rare gem of an outdoor terrace – a blissful rarity in India that I find incredibly delightful. This outdoor haven accommodates around thirty customers under whirring fans, desperately paddling through the warm air. Every detail is meticulously arranged, adorned with greenery and potted plants. To top it off, the service is exceptionally friendly and efficient. While the menu may not spring surprises, the food…
-
Thiruvananthapuram- Napier Museum Road (Kathy – Guruvayur – Jan. 24)
CHECK ALL PICTURES AND REELS ON INSTAGRAM (button on top) English version below Les plats sont disposés au centre de l’établissement, sur une grande table, dans ce Indian Coffee House qui se situe dans l’enceinte de l’université, de bureaux et de parkings où les voitures se superposent comme au Japon. Je n’avais jamais vu cela en Inde. C’est vrai qu’il y a, hélas, de plus en plus de véhicules individuels qui ne font qu’aggraver la pollution et la circulation chaotique. Donc, voilà joliment présentés de grands plats de riz, de subji, de poissons frits, de currys et de desserts pour les travailleurs, les étudiants et les familles qui viennent savourer…
-
Krishnadas turns 60 ( Kathy – Chavakkad – 22 January 24)
Version en français plus bas Krishnadas marks his 60th journey around the sun today, on January 22, 2024. In his own temporal realm, this momentous occasion aligns with the 22nd day of our familiar Gregorian calendar. The rich tapestry of Kerala unfolds, revealing its unique chronology, the “Kollam Era” or “Malayalam Era” കലണ്ടര, a cherished keeper of time for religious observances and local festivals. The Kollam Era embarks on its narrative from the year 825 of the Gregorian epoch, woven intricately with the mythical inception of the city of Kollam. Its cadence echoes the luni-solar rhythm akin to the Hindu calendar, choreographed by the celestial ballet of moon and sun.…
