Trivandrum day 1

Today was my first full day in India,! I'm delighted to say that I slept well and so I got up sharp to enjoy my breakfast outside. Masala omelette, fresh pineapple and watermelon, watermelon juice and coffee... I can do that! Soon after breakfast I went for a swim in the sea, it's always calmer in the morning, wonderful. I spent the rest of the morning relaxing by the pool. This afternoon a friend from a previous year and I took the bus into Thiruvananthapuram, or Trivandrum as it used to be called, the State capital of Kerala. We took the bus, the luxury AC one which cost us 40 rupees each, the non AC costs 18 each. Roughly speaking a rupee is just over 1p. We explored the East Fort area, which is just by the bus stand. There is lots of old architecture dating back to British rule and the temple itself which is claimed to be 5000 years old. A temple guide explained that the temple there is a private one overseen by the Maharaja of Travancore, unfortunately it is not accessible to non Hindus. We walked from there up the road to Pothys, a luxury store, there is a branch in Tirunelvelli too so I know it well. Having shopped for one or two essentials we then risked our lives by walking across the road towards the railway station and along to the Indian Coffee House. It was built in the 1950's by an architect by the name of Laurie Baker. I can't add a link but do Google it. It is built as a round tower with a spiralling ramp going up and around the inside with booths also made of stone all the way up. There are open vents/windows in the bricks all the way and so it is well aired. It's a very famous landmark and the food is excellent and served by waiters in traditional dress. The last picture in the collage is of a little tourist shop at the temple.
We walked back to the bus stop and took the non AC bus back, it was a lot busier!
Back at Kovalam I rested a while then went out to take some trousers to be shortened at the tailor's. He commented that ready made trousers are made to fit people 6'tall, but that was OK as if they were made to fit 5'tall people the length problems would be even worse!
The extra picture is of a tender coconut seller at the beach at sunset.
Chicken Biryani and fresh lime soda for dinner.
Walking today 15500 steps
Stop press, absolutely pouring with rain outside!