Random notes from our Kerala visit.

Thrissur: Anaiyootu
Originally uploaded by Jillako.

- The "stew" served with Aapam has no mallu name, it is called stew even by the locals
- 98% of the males sport facial hair
- Everything (and apparently *everything*) is unionized.
- Elite hotel in Guruvayur looks the same after 11 years. The mosquitos were giant sized though, I don't remember that part.
- Temples are generally smaller and the approach to the dieties is from the side so you literally only get a few seconds before you have to move on. Forget waiting for the "arathy" to be shown.
- @Guruvayur - Churidhars are considered pants and not allowed in the temple so women can rent a mundu and wear it with their churidhar tops resulting in a peculiar looking female dress.
- @Guruvayur - If you look like a foreigner you'll probably be questioned a number of times to verify you are really hindu. However, if you look like a local you will not have trouble getting in even if you are muslim or christian.
- True story from our visit: After the Anaiyootu, two mahouts were walking an elephant to the owner's residence when they got into a fight and went their own ways - leaving the elephant scot-free!! Residents were terrified to see an elephant walking about town on its own and called in the police who had to take care of the matter!
- Always pack an umbrella, especially around the monsoon.
- Pay attention to notices asking you to take care of your valuables, even if they are in temples. My father's wallet was picked, and from the front pocket too.
- Kerala is beautiful
- I loved the architecture of the temples and older homes. I wish I had pictures.
- To see the money from gulf expats at work, just drive the road from Thrissur to Guruvayur. The houses speak for themselves.
- I still have plenty to see in Kerala!

P.S.: Plenty of pics @ Flickr, as always. Comments welcome & encouraged. :)