I didn't get to sleep until about 1 am, thanks to the noise of wind and rain. I was woken by Sandra's voice around 9am. I think she was complaining about being dressed smartly for temple but I can't be sure of this because
Everyone but Jaya and I left for the temple they took me to last month: Jaya stayed to serve my breakfast (aarrgghh!) and get through a mountain of laundry. (Just in case you're interested, breakfast was puri (circles of flat bread that inflate when fried) and jackfruit-seed curry.) Ajeesh took the photos near the temple and of the priest. I remember him asking me 'Of course, you're familiar with the puranas?' and my embarrassed admission that I wasn't.
I was sorting through some stuff when I heard what sounded like Jaya and her father arguing passionately. It turned out to be Jaya and two other women negotiating with a merchant who sold household goods - mostly plastic items. He had a net-ful of merchandise which could be compacted so it was a meter across and then carried on his head. Jaya eventually bought 4 or 5 plastic bins/storage tubs.
Around 1pm I left the house to go to the cybercafé: the owners' older son (Abin) had offered to open it just for me. It also allowed him to do his homework on the Sepoy Rebellion in peace. The café's UPS had power but their internet connection wasn't working so I spent time working on an essay I was writing for DS. He wanted me to give my opinions as a tourist on how places like Nedumkandam could attract more tourist-income.
As I was typing, Abin introduced me to various friends who arrived and wanted conversations with me. These were usually short and full of giggles and embarrassment on both sides as language barriers crashed down on our heads.
Eventually the UPS ran out and I went out to photograph along Nedumkandam's main street. Mains electricity had returned by the time I did - it lasted a whole 10 minutes.
Ajeesh, DS and Shaji arrived, along with Ajeesh's martial arts friend. He just about demanded that I visit him for a massage now because it was the right season and directly asked when I would come. I said I would phone him and arrange something to our mutual convenience. He then gave us all a lecture on the evils of alcohol and tobacco, then walked across the road to a bank.
As soon as he was out of earshot, DS said 'You can stick your ayurveda and health, mate - I need a cigarette.' Ajeesh also commented 'he's a good man but his tongue is too long.' Nicotine-cravings satisfied, Ajeesh and co went to Shaji's office while I stayed to wait for power to return.
I left about 6pm, phoned home and I think I walked up the hill - my diary doesn't recall. However I recall walking out of a movie because it wasn't funny without knowing Malayalam - the promised action-comedy didn't materialize and the volume made my head ache.
© (except the blatantly ripped-off bits) Random Bozo 2006