The positive things about Kerala are seldom mentioned. The media always highlights the negative things. Anyway, discerning people don't
take the media seriously. For example, the playing of recorded conversations of politicians and others involved in the 'kozha' controversy
is comedy of the best kind. Viewers who get fed up with the serials
can shift to the political comedies to enjoy laughter, the best medicine !
In South Africa, it's difficult to manage without a car, because there's a
lack of public transport. The people mainly rely on taxis or hiking.Those
who can afford own one or two cars. In Kerala, most of the middle class
own cars, but one has the option of leaving the car at home and use public
transport, especially when one is travelling alone, and if there isn't any urgency.
While in Kerala, I didn't undertake any long journeys. The longest one
was train journeys from Kottayam to Kozhikode and back. One cool morning in December, I travelled by KSRTC bus from Kozhikode
to Thiruvampady, and from there to Poovaranthode. I joined Ajay's parents for that trip,just for the experience of it. The buses were fast, and
seats were available.The climbing of hills, with random hairpin curves
was really enjoyable.
At Kottayam, buses are available in all directions, without much waiting.
The minimum charge is Rs.7. From Manganam Kurishu or Kanjikuzhy,
I can travel to the city very easily by private bus. My usual destination
is Pala, 28 kms from Kottayam, and from there to Paika, my native place,8 Kms from Pala. Kottayam KSRTC Stand is a hub of activity, with buses
roaring,getting ready for departure.
One anachronism is very striking. Kerala invites tourists. Many tourists
prefer to travel by bus to Kumali, Moonnar, and other places.Unfortunately
the destinations are written only in Malayalam. There are many Pravasi
children who can't read Malayalam. The authorities ignore such simple things as writing the destinations in English too.
I board a Fast Passenger going to Thodupuzha. There are plenty of seats
available.The fare is Rs.29. The seats are generally comfortable. The bus
reaches Pala in about 45 minutes. From there, I board a Ponkunnam bus.
The fare to Paika is Rs 10. Seats are always available, to and fro.
In the Pala-Ponkunnam buses, I noticed an increase in the number of
women conductors, which is a positive thing. Perhaps they are given this
'soft route' because there's no overcrowding. They do a good job, but some
of them have a serious, stony look. They need to be trained to give a ticket
to the passenger,with a smile.
During a trip to Pala by a Todupuzha Fast, I noticed a strange thing.By the
time the bus reached Caritas, the women's seats were full. Two senior women ( 60 and above) boarded the bus. I was sitting alone on a three-seater. The two obese women struggled to balance themselves in the roaring
bus,which applied brakes frequently. They stood near me. They didn't sit
down,perhaps mistaking me for a young man or 'poovalan'.I felt pity for
them, and nearly invited them to sit down, but on second thoughts, I shelved
the idea, because, in Kerala, anything could happen ,as far as women's matters are concerned. The women disembarked at Ettumanoor.
Some good things are happening in Kerala. For instance, I applied for Adhar on the 5th of January, and
got it downloaded on the 15th !
take the media seriously. For example, the playing of recorded conversations of politicians and others involved in the 'kozha' controversy
is comedy of the best kind. Viewers who get fed up with the serials
can shift to the political comedies to enjoy laughter, the best medicine !
In South Africa, it's difficult to manage without a car, because there's a
lack of public transport. The people mainly rely on taxis or hiking.Those
who can afford own one or two cars. In Kerala, most of the middle class
own cars, but one has the option of leaving the car at home and use public
transport, especially when one is travelling alone, and if there isn't any urgency.
While in Kerala, I didn't undertake any long journeys. The longest one
was train journeys from Kottayam to Kozhikode and back. One cool morning in December, I travelled by KSRTC bus from Kozhikode
to Thiruvampady, and from there to Poovaranthode. I joined Ajay's parents for that trip,just for the experience of it. The buses were fast, and
seats were available.The climbing of hills, with random hairpin curves
was really enjoyable.
At Kottayam, buses are available in all directions, without much waiting.
The minimum charge is Rs.7. From Manganam Kurishu or Kanjikuzhy,
I can travel to the city very easily by private bus. My usual destination
is Pala, 28 kms from Kottayam, and from there to Paika, my native place,8 Kms from Pala. Kottayam KSRTC Stand is a hub of activity, with buses
roaring,getting ready for departure.
One anachronism is very striking. Kerala invites tourists. Many tourists
prefer to travel by bus to Kumali, Moonnar, and other places.Unfortunately
the destinations are written only in Malayalam. There are many Pravasi
children who can't read Malayalam. The authorities ignore such simple things as writing the destinations in English too.
I board a Fast Passenger going to Thodupuzha. There are plenty of seats
available.The fare is Rs.29. The seats are generally comfortable. The bus
reaches Pala in about 45 minutes. From there, I board a Ponkunnam bus.
The fare to Paika is Rs 10. Seats are always available, to and fro.
In the Pala-Ponkunnam buses, I noticed an increase in the number of
women conductors, which is a positive thing. Perhaps they are given this
'soft route' because there's no overcrowding. They do a good job, but some
of them have a serious, stony look. They need to be trained to give a ticket
to the passenger,with a smile.
During a trip to Pala by a Todupuzha Fast, I noticed a strange thing.By the
time the bus reached Caritas, the women's seats were full. Two senior women ( 60 and above) boarded the bus. I was sitting alone on a three-seater. The two obese women struggled to balance themselves in the roaring
bus,which applied brakes frequently. They stood near me. They didn't sit
down,perhaps mistaking me for a young man or 'poovalan'.I felt pity for
them, and nearly invited them to sit down, but on second thoughts, I shelved
the idea, because, in Kerala, anything could happen ,as far as women's matters are concerned. The women disembarked at Ettumanoor.
Some good things are happening in Kerala. For instance, I applied for Adhar on the 5th of January, and
the most common table lamp these days still use incandescent lamp but some of them use compact fluorescent lamps which are cool to touch- Learn More
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