Nutmeg Seed Pod

Fresh nutmeg wrapped in its protective pod.

 Here is the tree 

in the back garden.

Here is the sister who has plucked it.

Still Life with Coconut

Fresh coconut.

Finely ground.

Fire, griddle, coconut milk, expert cook.

A perfect morning in Kerala.

From the days of Vasco da Gama

While wondering around Fort Cochin in search of the church where Vasco da Gama was buried, I came upon this gothic beauty, built in 1505...

Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Cochin, built in 1505

The interior of this Roman Catholic church is beautifully decorated with a glittering alter, 

decorative tiles, fresco painting by Italian painter Antonio Moscheni,

hand-carved doors,

and murals painted on the ceiling.

Eventually, I did find the church where Vasco da Gama lay to rest for fourteen years before he was shipped back to Portugal.

St Francis Church, Fort Cochin, built in 1503

It is simple and lovely with beautiful carved tombstones inside.

Wondering through a neighborhood can bring worthwhile surprises. 

Where the Rain is Born

The summer monsoons have arrived and I am going. 

Goodbye Kerala, for now.

People, Color, Life.

Sisters on a Mission

School starts in four days. Much needs to be done, especially a few maintenance projects around campus and the sisters are busy directing traffic. . .

and checking on the workers

while classroom furniture receives a new polish

and stone masons replace a retaining wall 

one chiseled piece of granite at a time.

Even the hostelers are given jobs.

(Yesterday they were carrying granite rocks.)

Without a doubt, the sisters will get it done.

Just in time for school.

Street Scenes

Quiet moments in Kerala

Hindu Temple

Corner pharmacy

Workers on foot

Catholic Idolatry

Shops in Kochi

School dismissal in Pallaruthy

Auto rickshaw taxi stand

Tech Workshop!

Laptops in the hands of eager middle school students can only be a good thing. 

In just three days these students conquered relentless power outages, 

temperamental wi-fi, tropical summer heat and a projector gone up in smoke...

  - to research, collaborate, write and create a PREZI for the very first time. 

Watch out global work force - these clever problem solvers are on their way...

Here is a link to their PREZI.