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Day 35 (February 11, 2000) NO PICTURE AVAILABLE TODAY Ft. Cochin, an island off the Malabar Coast, is an old trading center with an incredibly rich history. Trading with the Phoenicians, the Chinese (see the Chinese fishing nets in the little QuickTime movie above), all the world came here to collect spices from the Cardamom Hills that I toured by motorcycle yesteray (incredible views!, beautiful scenery!). The oldest Christian church in India is here (16th century) as well as a "Jewtown" where spices and antiques are traded. I caught the Kerala official launch party for the Enfield Machismo 535 motorcycle, a Harley-styled Bullet with 25 horsepower! “It’s not just a bike, it’s a lifestyle,” said the Enfield presenter. It was followed up by a fashion show with lots of leather and attitude. Also today Patience got another regular checkup, she's got 2400 km on her now, and the doctor says she’s running great. Got the tappets tightened, the brakes tightened, everything the once over. The key switch was a little loose. There was some oil on the head and I was afraid of a leak, but it turned out to be only a loose nut. So tonight it's early to bed and tomorrow early to rise for a ride up the Malabar Coast toward Goa via Mangalore. Plans are to pick up my friend Marcia in Goa and we’ll ride together to Hampi, Mysore, Bangalore, Tirupati and back to Chennai. BACK TO HOME |