Here are some pictures from Cochin. I am tempted to add, ‘On popular Demand’. But i let it be. These of course are some better pictures !

We stayed very close to water ! A curious water way, which had big ships, small boats and weeds all kissing the surface air & setting the background for cameras like mine ! To add to this, was the setting sun and morning brightness that provided the scope to play with light.

Our travel guide informs us that ‘motor boats’ are banned. And then, hastens to add, that only one type of ‘motor boat’ is allowed. That which runs on ‘an engine that does not damage’the water beings, he says.

I nod my head. He perhaps senses my thoughts. And explains a little more. The camera goes click, click. There is always an exception to the rule.

The Sun sets behind the coconut trees. And as he sets, and takes the light along with him, the resplendent glory of ‘what was there’ just a couple of hours before remains. So is the hope of the tomorrow where the same sun on a new day will emerge.

That is nature. And man being part of nature, cant be beyond this ! The days of the past are glorious. So are the days ahead. Possibilities abound. There is light beyond the coconut bearing trees.

*******

Its evening. We ‘business tourists’ settle down with refreshments in hands, two Kathakali artist perform. They perform a story of amorous passion and righteousness. I watch in awe, as the twitch of eyebrows, lips and elaborate movements of the hand, convey so much meaning.

Post the show, i walk upto them, and say, that it was nice and i liked it.

These are weary men, who look up, say ‘thank you’ and carry on with the packing. Unenthused. Either they didn’t care or they were used to such comments. I think its more of the former. After learning an art, you perform for the sake of an ‘illiterate’ audience, for them to ‘appreciate’ your culture, day in and day out, would you care ?

As the sun was kissing its goodbyes to the water, the entire world seemed going crimson ! Perhaps because it was an intimate moment that i was capturing. Me and my delusions refuse to fizzle away.

Am now back in Mumbai. Upon landing here, someone said, ‘its so hot here’. ‘Just like Cochin’.

Carelessly tossing his luggage strap across the shoulder, another replied, ‘its the same sea’ !

The same sea. Yes. But a sea of difference !