Lone Wolf - Day 10 - Edwin's Journal

Another day arose, and so did my hopes for another ride. All day, I was occupied with the hustle of morning chores and getting ready. Getting ready for a trip was a wonderful and hectic thing to do. Making sure that the scooter is ok, calculating the best route for the journey so that I can see most places on the way as well as with limited cost, making sure that I have enough money so that I won’t get stranded in between and so on. It was all a fun-to-do thing in the morning. I made sure I got everything and started the scooter.

“Please be careful, son.”

“Yes mom”

I’ve decided to go to Fort Kochi and around those regions for today and with a wave of cheer; I set out, to my new journey. My new wonders to encounter.

I first decided to go to Vallarpadam Church and looked on the map to get a sense of the directions that I have to take. On viewing the route to Vallarpadam, I found that I touch a place called Kadamakkudy. This was a place which fascinated me once with its beautiful island and small routes in between waters where a lot of fishermen can be found fishing and many people come to spend some time to see an auspicious sunset.

My friends were the ones who took me to that place before and this was the first time that I’ve set out to go there all by myself. So my only option was Google Map to get a sense of which way I should go and after that, I continued on with the journey. I went through the National Highway and that was a smooth ride. I was altogether enjoying the ride if it wasn’t for the reason that I had to look whether I’m going the right way every single turn. I continued on with the journey until I crossed a bridge and went a few meters and looked at the map only to find that I’ve gone a few meters forward, so I had no other option rather than to take a U-turn and come back to where I should’ve gone. The path was through under the bridge and I went forth again to find that I’ve lost the way again and found near the end of the surface and off to the muddy edge.

“Oh god”

My scooter got stuck in that mud and I found it difficult to get out. My scooter went all wobbly and sometimes got stuck in the mud and the tires just won’t go forward. I tried so hard, racing the accelerator, getting out in that mud and pushing the scooter altogether and after some time, I finally got out of the mud, but only to find a big pile right in front of me. This time, I went through the grass on the sides and was out in a minute.

I continued on the way and soon reached the ferry. I never remember this route for real, but I had no other choice for now and so I went. I climbed on to the ferry that arrived and set out. It was all crammed together with vehicles, people that were talking chattering, many telling others to give them space and all. I arrived on the other side and when I was getting out, I saw many were trying to get in and that in turn caused more problems than ever. There was a long line of vehicles waiting to get on the ferry and the road was small, so it was altogether crammed for anyone going through there.

I continued to where the map took me only to find that I’m at a place, less interesting than the one that my friends took me. There were only fewer places to enjoy, no place to walk, only to stand by the edge and glory in the views of waters and nearby boats. I was a little sad that my starting turned out to be less interesting and so I returned back to where I started, this time I knew the direction and went on forth to where I started – the place near the bridge.

I got on the National Highway and set out to Vallarpadam. The ride gave me back my happiness and all the disheartening feeling was left behind. The journey was superb because there was less traffic than usual so that my ride was smooth as ever. It was only disrupted once or twice at signals.

I arrived at the junction and remembered that Bolgatty palace was nearby and so I decided to have a glimpse there before going to the church. It was a former palace that was built by the Dutch in 1744. It was the Governor’s palace for the commander of Dutch Malabar and then leased by the British to be served as the home of British governors. It is now a heritage hotel resort and a beautiful well-kept one indeed. I got through the first security guard and that was all because he was not looking, but the second one stopped me and asked me where I was going. I explained to him and that I’ve come to see the palace and he didn’t allow me and so the hope to see the palace was left in vain. One more reason to get discouraged again in this trip.

I retraced my route back and went to Vallarpadam church. It is the most important Marian Shrine in India and many people come to seek the blessing of Mother Mary, popularly known as “Vallarpadathamma”. It is believed that Vallarpadathamma has saved her devotees many times from violent storms who were on boats or near coastal areas. I arrived to find that the surrounding has changed from the last time I’ve been here.

I once came here on a school trip when I was a child and arrived at the entrance of the church. There was only a little courtyard then and we went inside to pray, run around the courtyard, played games. It was a fun time then. Now there was more place in front of the church than I remember. Surrounding it was small sculptures that were very beautifully done. I went inside to pray to get my trip a wonderful one and sat there in silence for a few moments. “Silence” for that time was like a good friend who stood there understanding me and waiting for me to get back on my path.

I went out and got on my scooter, looked at the church, smiled and continued on. I went through and saw many container terminals and it was packed with many containers and many being carried out by ships. I arrived at Vypin Ferry, where I waited for the next one to arrive. I sat there idle for some time. Everyone was wandering here and there since they had nothing else to do than wait. After some time, the Ferry had arrived and it was all a scramble, people running to their vehicle, many running to get their tickets, many trying to get first in line. A place so idle was lively on sight of the Ferry.

When it arrived and everyone onboard had got out, I including many others got in and waited as it took us to the other side. It was so peaceful onboard until we’ve arrived on the other side where everyone started to be in a hurry. I rode off to Mahatma Gandhi beach where I walked through the pavement basking in the glory of the sea and the cruise ships and cargo ships that sometimes goes through it. I also got inside the Nehru Park, a small park that is now seldom used, even by children and that is a sore sight to see because when I was young, I came here to see many children that used to play inside and we all would have a blast, now it is much deserted.

I continued the rest of the way on foot. Walking through these places was like walking through a place in history as the place and buildings were of ancient construction. Everywhere it holds a place in history. I walked along the Vasco da Gama square and entered Bastion Bungalow. A building constructed in an Indo-European style and is the official residence of the Sub-Collector. It was closed for visiting at that moment and so I walked across the courtyard and even got on to the terrace of the building and caught the sight of the sea and people walking along the streets there. After that, I walked through to St. Francis Church which is the oldest European Church in India built in 1503. This church has an important significance in history and was the resting place for Vasco da Gama when he died on his visit. His remain was buried in this church before moving it out to Lisbon. I saw many tourists inside taking photos of the place, some on their knees praying and so I sat there in silence as I aligned myself in perfect harmony inside. This place was one to behold and will surely give one pure happiness inside.

After going out, I walked here and there seeing all the sights as they pass by. I saw many street shops selling miniature toys, seashells, garments and many more. I walked back through different routes and finally reached where I parked my scooter and I got on and set off. I went to Fort Kochi beach, a famous beach infamous town where everyone likes to come and spend time there. The waters were gushing in fast and striking the sides. I walked through the pavements and after spending some time there went off to my next destination.

I had so many places planned out for the day, but time had slowly started to betray me that I was beginning to be in a hurry. I went to see Indo-Portuguese Museum next set by late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi, in order to preserve the rich cultural heritage and Portuguese influence on the land. I bought the tickets and went inside to explore. It was packed with many archaeological things such as crosses, monuments, wall hangings, coins and all. This place surely did have history preserved inside the walls.

After that, I went to Mattancherry Palace, but I was out of luck because it was not open that day and so I went to the Jewish Synagogue and that too was not open. So I had no other choice other than to go to my next destination.

My trip to the next destination was a long one and I really enjoyed it. I rode off and reached Kerala Folklore Museum, a well-kept, well preserved Museum for Kerala’s Folklore having many ancient used art form items and materials that are laid out for exhibition mainly Jewelry, Bronze Sculptures, Musical Instruments, Manuscripts, Masks and many more. This place was promoted by Mrs. & Mr. George Thaliath with aims to preserve culture, heritage and folk art education.

After seeing the various exhibits of that place, I set out to Marine drive for spending some time there but first got inside Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. It is free for the public to visit here and I went inside and walked around. It is a mangrove place with the roots protruding on to the lake. The place was less for anyone to walk through, but was large enough for the migratory birds that visited there. It is estimated that a lot of species of birds, mammals, spiders and butterflies are seen there. But I saw none but bats that lay downwards. On my way back, I looked back and caught a glimpse of what I think is a hornbill, I guess.

After that, I went to Marine Drive, bought a drink and sat down on a seat with views to the waters that lay in front of me. I sat there as evening was soon approaching and the sky was all turning pink and orange reminding me that it’s time to go back. And so I did, I went straight through roads, cutting traffic, stopping at signals and finally reached the destination that I loved the most – my home.