Kannur (Kerala), India - December 27, 2006

Kannur is located in the Malabar coast and was an important spice trading port, mentioned by the Venetian traveller Marco Polo. Today, it's a pleasnat coastal town with nice beaches.
This morning I visited the Kanhirode Weaver's Co-Op, 20 kms. N.W. of Kannur. It was an interesting experience taking a tour there. I did short videos of ladies spooling and men weaving with cottom threads, and they were thrilled to see themselves doing their job as I play it back. They produce furnishing fabrics, saris, dhotis and fine silks. The head person in charge of Business Office asked me if I was coming from a very wealthy family (it must have been my umbrella that gave it away....just kidding)!
In the afternoon I visited the Kerala Folklore Academy, that used to be a palace. It had a good selection of posters with different folk dances and costumes, also displayed utensils used in the kitchen of the palace when the raja lived there. In the front there was a serene lake with a temple and nice houses around the lake.
Since the weather was hot, I was glad to go to the beach. Again, I was the only one in the water, the waves were a little ruff, but it was pleasant to be in the water. I always choose a spot away from people so I don't offend them with my bikini, but few minutes later, people appear and want to look....I guess my body....those Indians!! so much for their spiritually. Thai people are so relax about the whole thing, and they will allow you your privacy--not the Indian people!