Mararikkulam North, Mararikulam, Arthunkal & Alappuzha, Kerala, India – Catholic Churches & Hindu Temples

This southwestern area of Kerala has many Catholic churches and Hindu temples. We think there is an ashram on the way to Alappuzha, but none in this immediate area. India is the birthplace of yoga – and there is absolutely nothing to be seen here related to the practice of yoga!  It has been a…

Mararrikulm North, Kerala, India – Of Scooters & Transformers

This is my husband Michael’s first contribution to my blog!!! He’s an electrician who can’t help but notice transformers in whatever country we travel! Without further ado, Michael’s first blog……..enjoy!!!  🙂  <3 Six full weeks in India, but I wasn’t afraid. I wasn’t afraid of being bored or worried about what I might do to…

Mararikkulam North, Kerala, India – Sad Afternoon at the Beach

This was about as heartbreaking as can be. There was a dead baby dolphin washed up on the beach. We’re far from marine biologists, and unable to tell what killed this precious little sea mammal. There were scratches on her little beaked nose.  Marks on her dorsal fin and pectoral flippers. The beach is a…

Mararikkulam North, Kerala, India – Knock Knock – Who’s There? Popeye & Olive!

One morning, after an early walk to the beach, Michael and I were in the air conditioning comfort of our little homestay villa when we heard a scuffle on the deck and a scratch on the door!  We looked at each other, both of us immediately knowing the cause of this action but still wondering…

Mararikkulam North, Kerala, India – Kanichukulangara Devi Temple

Michael and I ride past the Kanichukulangara Devi Temple, almost daily. What interested me, what caught my attention was the gathering of people near the temple – seeming to be cooking food over little fire pits. We stopped one afternoon to check it out. What I’d later come to learn is that this Hindu temple…

Mararikkulam North, Kerala, India – Early Morning Fish Market

One early morning, I decided to go to the beach to enjoy the sounds of the waves as I practiced meditation. I was eager for the usual solitude of “our” beach, because we’re usually the only ones there! Usual solitude: What I walked into that early morning was not peaceful solitude but a thriving fish market…