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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…
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Thiruvananthapuram – KFC, Museum – (Kathy – Varkala – January 2024)
Version en français plus bas Enter the realm of Indian Coffee Houses – each one a unique blend, yet all steered by the pulse of their own workforce! Visualize this snug spot, tucked in a green administrative hub near Trivandrum’s zoo. It’s not just a café; it’s a pocket-sized haven awash in natural light, where a few tables host the lively hum of neighboring office-goers. I dive into a conversation with a trio of young enthusiasts – aged 24, 25, and 26 – who spill the beans about bypassing Starbucks due to its slightly steep prices. Instead, they make this cozy nook a bi-weekly retreat, drawn in by its pocket-friendly…
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Thiruvananthapuram – Maveli – (Kathy – Varkala – January 2024)
Version en français plus bas With Thiruvananthapuram, you break all records in Scrabble and treat yourself to a beautiful exercise in eloquence. The capital of Kerala boasts no fewer than fifteen Indian Coffee Houses! Is it due to the fact that Kerala is known for having a political history where the communist party played a significant role? Mathias Joseph, from Action Aid India, reminded me this morning that many ICHs are gathering places for political figures who meet there to debate and plan collective actions*. It’s true that these establishments are very affordable, and there is no pressure from management to vacate tables. I have personally experienced and observed this…
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Thiruvananthapuram – Intro ( Kathy – Varkala – January 2024)
Version en français plus bas Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is not only known for its rich cultural heritage and green avenues but also for its thriving coffee culture. The city boasts a myriad of Indian Coffee Houses, each serving as a hub for socialising, intellectual discussions, and of course, the aromatic pleasure of finely brewed coffee. Nestled amidst the bustling streets and serene corners of Trivandrum, these Indian Coffee Houses have become an integral part of the city’s social fabric. These establishments are not merely places to grab a cup of coffee but serve as cultural landmarks where locals and tourists alike gather to unwind, engage in conversations,…
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The Legends (Kathy- Alappuzha- January 2024)
Version en français plus bas I am so happy to reconnect with the stories and anecdotes about the Indian Coffee Houses (ICHs)! I am currently in Kerala, a state located at the southwestern tip of the peninsula where there are more than 75 ICHs spread across the territory. A few years ago, a branch of ICH that I particularly liked was set up in a magnificent historic building, providing a breathtaking view of the ocean. Every day, after swimming in the charming pool of Raheem, a beautiful neighboring establishment, I would go to this ICH to savor the sunset, just before heading to the beach to admire the acrobatic moves…
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