The discomfort from last night’s indigestion receded as I fell into a much needed deep sleep. Any fear of curtailing my shore excursion was short lived as I awoke at around 6.30 this morning, rejuvenated. I have always been slightly nervous about setting foot in India after horrendous accounts of the resultant sickness which can follow. Armed with insect repellent, sunscreen and now, hand sanitiser, I felt confident taking part in what turned out to be a lovely day out. The coach was air conditioned and comfortable; the roads rather dodgy with no motorway quality construction. The journey to where we would board the vessel was around 90 minutes. Again, it was hot and sticky, but still far preferable to the cool and damp of home. Before clambering on to one boat, getting settled and then being instructed to cross to another vessel which had pulled up alongside, there was the mandatory visit to the washroom prior to our two hour river and canal cruise. There was plenty of room on the upper deck. It seemed that all ordinary life flourished along the banks of the waterways along which we sailed. There was an abundance of water traffic, house boats, other tours and freight. I derived much pleasure from this brief but fascinating less than one day in India. In both directions, going to and from the backwaters, the roads were lined with businesses of all kinds. Stalls selling every variety of organic fruit and vegetables, were in great abundance. I never saw so many bananas. It’s strange how the day dawned; turning on the TV this morning, I was greeted with the breaking news about sinister developments in Syria. But, it was of no interest on this voyage and there was no discussion after I returned to the ship. Just out of interest, the Celebrity Cruises “Constellation” was berthed behind QM2 having followed us from Phuket. No sign of the Genting Dream, however! I have seen that in some of the Far East ports we have called at, including Phuket. We have now left Cochin and steaming through the Arabian Sea towards our next port of call, Muscat. 
Ship’s position this morning. 
Breaking News 
The backwaters of Kerala 
The hotel which provided bathroom facilities and tea & coffee after the river cruise. 
5 further pictures taken along the backwaters of Kerala. 
Celebrity Constellation moored in Cochin. Immediately behind was QM2 facing in the opposite direction. QM2 on departure from Cochin, turned 180 degrees thus sailing past Constellation as we progressed out to sea. 
QM2 berthed at Cochin 
Genting Dream in Phuket. David. 19.30hrs 14/4/2018
David's Cruise 