India win the cricket

31/3/11

Waking up tired and stiff from the day before we opted to undertaken some light fishing and reading. After another swim I headed off (leaving James to rest) to see the new cricket bat in action and take part in a match. As the rice had been harvested we had a new pitch which gave more space and opportunity to hit the ball but also meant being out in the mid afternoon sun. Amazingly I recalled how to bowel bat and field. I even managed to bowel out on of the older teenagers who I must say exacted his revenge when I took my turn to bat! After an hour of fielding one of the younger boys called me over and asked if I was alright ( I was sweating profusely and very red) and offered me his hat.

In the afternoon James, Anuna and I went on anther guided walk though the rice fields and then on to a canoe for some folk songs and the ride back to the home stay. Another smashing meal was served by mummy who then showed us her hose boys wedding photos and the photos of her husband’s funeral. Both professionally printed and taken by the same company.

1/4/11

Was said our good buys to the owners and agreed to meet up with Anuna in Varkala our next destination. James planning was again meticulous and we had pre booked train tickets in an air conditioned carriage that delivered us to our destination followed by a pick up from the owner.

2/3/11

After an hours walk along the cliff I retuned very sweaty (my most common form) to meet James at the accommodation. We headed to the beach where James roasted and I body boarded. Renting a body board required some protracted negation as the price started at 500 rupees for the day and ended up as 100 rupees for 2 hours (bear in mind that the accommodation is just 300 rupees for the day). Running into the sea I was greeted with 1.5meter high waves with a strong undercurrent. Having been told by James what to do if caught in an undercurrent (swim sideways) I engaged in a fab two hours of boarding.

That evening we met up with Anuna for dinner and drinks. As it was the cricket world cup final with India and Sri Lanka we agreed to watch some of the match. Not being masochists we decided not to opt for the full 8 hours but timed our viewing to coincide with the last hour. India was batting and needed 175 runs from 165 balls. As the number of balls reduced and the score increased the atmosphere became carnival like and then in a flash India had won and the locals cheered, jumped up and down and road there motorbikes along the seaside track. It appears that James and I are good luck charms as we were in Rome when Italy won the football world cup and now India for the cricket world cup. Should any government be interested in hiring us for the next big event expressions of interest should be sent to lukeandjameswinthings@hotmail.com