Fri, 1 Mar 2013

I have finally stepped into Indian soil. And what a great feeling it was. We arrived into the port of Tutticorin early this morning. I went on an excursion visiting a couple of churches (we even managed to belt out a hymn in one) and a stunning Hindu Temple. For me though watching the local people go about their daily lives was the most fascinating thing about the day. People out shopping and working and they were all so intrigued by us. Cows and goats roam the motorways and roads like stray dogs and cats and nobody bats an eyelid!! There is definitely no such thing as health and safety here!

We had many people waving and smiling at us as we drove to each venue. They were so friendly and welcoming. A real contrast to living in London where people are afraid to even look you in the eye. At our final stop where we had refreshments and local food and we were greeted with gifts of a necklace made out of tiny shells and each of us had our forehead marked with a bindi. We then headed back to Minerva for lunch and after leaving port we had our first rehearsal for our concert on Sunday. The Captain has his welcome Gala this evening so I'm now going to go up on deck and enjoy the sunshine before getting ready.

Next stop is Kochi!!! :)