To the End of the Subcontinent

 Traveled down, down, down to Kanyakumari, where the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea flow together at the tip of India. Stayed with Alphonse's sister's family in their thatched roof

home in the town of Nagercoil, about 25 kilometers from Kanyakumari.

Alphonse's sister Josie outside her home.

                                         

Nagercoil with the Western Ghats in the distance.  

                                   

Everyone called me "Aunty."

                                      

The glorious regional flower market at Nagercoil:




 

Lotus blossoms

 

 

Padmanabhapuram Palace: Home to those who ruled the Hindu kingdom of Travancore until the late 18th century. Constructed of teak and jack fruit wood; airy and cool even on a hot February day.

                                   

Pickle jars. The King fed thousands of Brahmans every day. That meant a lot of pickle.

Jack fruit ceiling.

Palace grounds.  

This is how the king waved. 

A view from a garret.  

Dining hall. (One of two.)

Thirparappu waterfalls 

Where, unfortunately, visitors come to bathe. Confession: Not knowing how to explain in Tamil why shampoo is bad for the river, I jumped under the falls. That's me, washing my hair. 

School girls frolicking and chanting a strange cheer. Something like "Root, root, root!"  

Fresh pineapple sprinkled with chili, overlooking  a beautiful chasm.

Fishing boats at Kanyakumari. 

I was joined by hundreds of thousands who came to watch the sun set over Kanyakumari 's three seas.