Category: John & Sandy

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Cochin, India.

COCHIN (KOCHI), INDIA

“The Gateway to Kerala”
A hodgepodge of cultures collide on the banks of the estuary where Cochin carves out her home. Chinese
fishing nets the size of skyscrapers, boxy Dutch architecture, and pretty Portuguese palaces point to the
blend of influence here, while the Raj era remnants, soaring spires of old-world mosques, and near-abandoned
synagogues all add to the dense, varied tapestry of inspirations and imprints.

Founded by a prince in the 15th century, Cochin immediately became a favored anchorage for sailors and
traders from every far-flung corner – even taking nearby Kerala’s crown as the world’s first global port city.
Now, fragrant spice markets cut the hot air with cardamom and clove, while antique stores groan beneath
the weight of singing copper.

Hit the backstreets of Fort Kochi for a deep and dreamy Ayurvedic massage, and marvel at the Krishna murals
that adorn the bedchamber walls of the Mattancherry Palace, or admire India’s one of the oldest European-built
Christian churches – as you duck into the cool hues of St Francis.

A day can easily meander past on a backwater cruise, spreading south from Cochin, and gliding down a
lacy network of creeks, lagoons, lakes, and rivers. Surrounded by swaying palms and rice paddies – you’ll
experience rural India in her best dress. When daylight dwindles, taste the soft spicy kick of dal roti,
followed by Firni – almonds, apricots, and sweet milk crushed with pastel green pistachios for a silky light
finish.

SIGHTS

• Edappally Church Complex
• Aazhimala Shiva Statue
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Chinese Fishing Nets
• Eravikulam National Park
• Indo-Portuguese Museum
• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
  
• SHOPPING
  Kochi offers wonderful shopping opportunities, renowned for its aromatic spices, elegant Kerala Kasavu handloom sarees, traditional coir products, and handcrafted souvenirs. Guests may also find banana chips, Ayurvedic products, antiques from Mattancherry, and Kathakali‑inspired keepsakes, perfect reminders of this culturally rich port.

Excursion – Cochin at a Glance
We experienced Cochin, old and new, during this half-day sightseeing tour of the picturesque and historic city.
Ernakulam.

We took a sightseeing tour of Emalulam, whose architecture depicts its cultural diversity and influences. It has colorful markets, shops, and temples lining Mahatma Gandhi Road, the main thoroughfare. Along the way, photo stops are made at various landmarks, including the Temple of Lord Shiva. Our sightseeing drive through Ernakulam ends at Fort Cochin.

Historic Cochin
During our guided walking tour of this historic area, note the Chinese fishing nets near the tip of Fort Cochin. These fixed, cantilevered contraptions are mainly used at high tide and operated via a system of counterweights.

A stop is then made at St. Francis Church, which is adorned with lovely floor tiles lining the main aisle. Large swinging cloth fans, or punkahs, are suspended above the congregation and manually operated from outside the church.

David Hall
Your tour concludes with a stop at David Hall. A surviving legacy of Dutch colonial rule in these parts, David Hall is a part of three houses built by the Dutch East India Company in the late-17th century. The building has since been renovated and converted into an art gallery. During a refreshment stop at David Hall’s café, you can browse through the art gallery.

2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Robin Craig: “Becoming Cyborgs: The Fusion of Human and Machine”.
From prosthetics to implants, how close are we to merging with machines? Since our beginnings, people have used tools to enhance their natural abilities.

3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Sonja Bernhardt OAM: “Beyond Reality: The Rise of Augmented and Virtual Reality”.
Step into new digital worlds and see how they’re transforming medicine, well-being, travel, and history.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant

CLASSIC MEETS ROCK
WITH MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST ANDY BÜNGER

Music Virtuoso Andy Bünger. A master of many sounds, carries
on the legacy of his esteemed European entertainment heritage
as a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist.

With a dazzling array of instruments at his command, Andy seamlessly blends diverse styles and eras to create a sonic experience that is both thrilling and unforgettable.

Experience the power of music with Andy Bünger.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Cochin, India

COCHIN (KOCHI), INDIA
“Queen of the Arabian Sea”

Gracefully poised along India’s verdant Malabar Coast, Kochi—formerly and still fondly known as Cochin—is one of the country’s oldest and most storied ports. For centuries, this natural harbor served as a gateway for global trade, drawing merchants from Europe, China, and the Middle East and shaping a city rich in cultural depth and maritime legacy.
Just beyond the docks of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, atmospheric streets reveal elegant merchant houses, historic godowns (warehouses), and open courtyards once filled with fragrant spices—pepper, ginger, betel nut, and tea. From the medieval era onward, Kochi exported spices, coffee, and coir while simultaneously welcoming diverse faiths, customs, and architectural influences that remain vibrantly present today.

This exceptional heritage is reflected in Kochi’s remarkable harmony of sacred spaces, including a Jewish synagogue, centuries‑old mosques, Portuguese Catholic and Syrian Christian (Saint Thomas Christian) churches, Hindu temples, and the United Church of South India.

The city unfolds across a mosaic of mainland, peninsulas, and islands. Ernakulam, on the mainland approximately 2 km (1 mile) from the harbor, serves as Kochi’s commercial heart. Willingdon Island, reclaimed from the sea, is home to refined hotels and a naval base, while Bolghatty Island, just north of Ernakulam, offers tranquil gardens and a stately heritage hotel housed in a former Dutch governor’s residence. For a more relaxed escape, Cherai Beach on Vypin Island beckons with golden sands and gentle seas.

The historic soul of Kochi lies in Fort Cochin, located at the northern tip of the Mattancherry peninsula and the city’s premier sightseeing district. Here, graceful homes reminiscent of Tudor manors now serve as boutique hotels or remain in the care of venerable trading families. To the south, Mattancherry is home to Kochi’s small but enduring Jewish community. Its evocative Jew Town, centered around the historic synagogue, is now lined with cafés and antique shops, offering an engaging blend of living history and contemporary charm.

SIGHTS
• Fort Kochi Area
• St. Francis Church
• Vasco da Gama Square
• Mattancherry Palace
• Kerala Folklore Museum
• Bolgatty Island
• Paradesi Synagogue
• Kathakali Center

THE LEGACY OF THE SPICE TRADE
For centuries, the spice trade has been central to Kochi’s prosperity and global prominence. Modern ports, processing centers, and storage facilities today ensure the smooth movement of spices from local farms to international markets.
Exports of prized spices such as pepper, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg continue to sustain local livelihoods and reinforce Kochi’s reputation as the spice capital of India.

World Cruise Event – THE EXOTIC MARIGOLD AND MORE

“Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.” – Jawaharial Nerhu, first Prime Minister of India, 1947-1964

Journey with us into the waterways of Kerala to Alleppey, the storied “Venice of the East.” Here, canals weave through palms and villages shaped by centuries of tradition. Within the historic grounds of Kavangal Temple, a ceremonial welcome unfolds with the vibrant spirit of the marigold, India’s enduring symbol of celebration and auspicious beginnings.

Rhythmic drums and dancers bring the ancient arts to life in captivating performances.

The festivities continue through village streets as we travel by private tuk-tuk to a rural feast served in time-honored style.

The afternoon slows on the tranquil backwaters, drifting by traditional houseboat through the serene waterways that have long carried Kerala’s stories, spices, and silks.

Dinner was in the Altantide Restaurant

“RHYTHMS OF GRACE”
TONIGHT’S LOCAL SHOW

Join our group of 16 talented dancers as they bring to life India’s rich traditions.

Dressed in stunning costumes, they will showcase the rhythmic energy of Kathakali, the graceful beauty of Mohiniyattom, the powerful moves of Kalaripayattu, and the expressive charm of Keralanatanam.

With each gesture and movement, they create a beautiful display of color, rhythm, and storytelling, celebrating the timeless elegance of Indian culture.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Galle, Sri Lanka.

GALLE, SRI LANKA
A Living Legacy of Trade, Empire, and Culture

Galle is a jewel of Sri Lanka’s southern coast—an ancient melting pot where centuries of global trade
and European political influence have left an indelible mark. At the heart of the city stands Galle Fort, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia, built by European occupiers.
Occupied successively by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British until the late 19th century, the fort rises
between land and sea, surrounded on three sides by the Indian Ocean. Its architecture vividly illustrates
the interaction between Portuguese design concepts and local building traditions, a synthesis that was
further strengthened during later periods of colonial rule.

The Dutch, who assumed control in the mid‑17th century, extensively fortified the city from 1649 onward,
transforming Galle into a major defensive stronghold and commercial hub. Walking today through the
narrow, atmospheric streets of the fort, visitors encounter a living townscape lined with fine surviving
examples of Dutch colonial architecture. Among the most notable landmarks is the 18th‑century
Dutch Reformed Church, renowned for its splendid carved wooden memorials dedicated to prominent
commanders of Galle.

Trade lay at the heart of Galle’s prosperity, with cinnamon defining its commercial legacy. While the
Portuguese harvested wild cinnamon during the 15th and 16th centuries, the Dutch formalized and
expanded the industry by establishing a Cinnamon Department, systematizing cultivation and planting
cinnamon across the villages surrounding Galle.

According to historian James Emerson Tennent, Galle may have been the ancient seaport of Tarshish, from
which King Solomon is said to have obtained ivory, peacocks, and other precious goods. Cinnamon was
exported from Sri Lanka as early as 1400 BC, and since the very word cinnamon is of Hebrew origin, Galle
may well have been one of the world’s earliest spice entrepôts.

Today, Galle Port remains one of Sri Lanka’s most active regional ports, seamlessly blending modern
commercial relevance with historic charm. Other prominent landmarks include the city’s natural harbor,
the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral, founded by Jesuit priests, and one of the country’s
most important Shiva temples—all contributing to Galle’s enduring identity as a city where history
continues to live and breathe.

Excursion – Private Tour.

We visited the Japanese Peace Pagoda.

Then, to the Stilt Fishermen.

And, on to a Turtle Rescue Center and Hatchery.

And, a visit to Fort Galle.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.

BEYOND THE ORIGINAL
TONIGHT’S SHOW

Beyond the Original” reimagines classics as male vocalists
perform iconic female songs and vice versa. With operatic flair,
rich harmonies, and the Silver Dawn Band, Beatrice, Mo, Mya,
and Mujaahid, deliver unforgettable renditions blending classic,
modern and contemporary styles.