Twas the day before Christmas...

...and you wouldn't even know it. Just another day on the beach really. Most of the restaurants are having a special dinner, some with entertainment like tradtional indian dance and music. I'm going to have a nice dinner, a few drinks (bad man) and listen to music at a place called Beatles. Have a primo table reserved. Two days off yoga, so I can let loose man! Much needed rest ahead also.

Also, some happening fromthe past week to share.

My neighbors moved out of the hotel a few days back. I knew they were kids (no manners, woke me up several times at 1:30am as they returned from parties...was I like that?), but had now idea they were 19year olds. Turns out they were geography students on assignment...I should have gone to that school. Anyhow, restful nights ahead as they are long gone.

Tomorrow, Christmas day, the manager of my hotel is coming back from a two day visit to his home (he pretty much lives at the hotel) and promised to bring a Keralan specialty called chicken fry. I've pretty much been veggie here (food is so good I don't miss meat, plus, a little worried about refridgeration, etc), but chiken fry is special. They choose and kill the chicken that day, dry rub it with a special Keralan spice mixture (yes, it's spicy!) and slow cook it until the meat falls off the bone. It is served with a gravy that is even spicier than the chicken, and the best bread around called paratha. Can't wait, it will be a nice change of pace.

Saw a near drowning a few days back. Some kid had rented a boogie board and was showing off for his girlfriend. As he was showing off, he realized he was a little too far out...and so did the lifeguards (they were whistling for him to come in). "Just swimming in" isn't quite so easy when you are that far out...the current takes you farther. Several tourists are lost here every year. Anyhow, he somehow made it in without the boogie board he had rented. He was obviously very tired, but still had the energy to act like it was no big deal. He could hardly walk back to his towel. Hope he learned something.

I'll have more to share after Christmas. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Miss you all. Cheers!