Kathakali

The Kathakali performance was fascinating. These ritual performances are associated with the Hindu religion and the epic struggles between the gods and demons and can last all night. Our performance was a demonstration of the art of gesture, eye rolling and facial expression to convey emotions and a story followed by a short act from one of the plays. The skills required are impressive and training takes up to 10 years. I was amazed at the malleability of his facial muscles. Most of the day was spent wandering around watching the fishermen using their nets and landing fish. We briefly visited the Catholic cathedral. There are Hindu temples nearby and I can hear the call to prayer from the mosque. Kerala is very religiously diverse but everybody peacefully coexists. Our host is a Syrian Christian and is very eager to help and explain local life and culture. Nearly everyone we meet wants to ask where we are from and engage us in conversation. It is a very friendly place.