Day 12

We left the backwaters and headed to Cochin now known as Kochi. Cochin became famous for the spice trade. It’s where Columbus was headed when he got a bit lost. Portuguese and then the Dutch arrived. Jews, primarily from Iraq came to this area. For centuries there was a vibrant Jewish community.

The last member of this once vibrant Jewish community passed away recently. I’ll post a few photos from the synagogue and the new museum.

FYI Jews first arrived in Cochin 650 B.C. The next wave came in 1350. They recently opened a museum by the synagogue   A few items. 

We visited Mattanchery Palace. It was the center of the Dutch spice trade. Now it’s a museum. A very crowded museum. This is clearly a tourist town. We’re seeing many more foreigners as well as Indian tourists.

Then we went to a Kathakali  dance program that was as amazing. First, they explained the different emotions the dancers must master.

Then 2 dancers enacted a story. This an ancient tradition— and we made a few jokes wondering if this was the original drag show!

Then some of us got on stage to pose with them.

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