Dear Fort Cochin

Fort Cochin is officially the place in India where I wish we had spent more time. The air is still and it is muggy as all hell, such that mold and moss grow on all of the North-facing walls. It is almost as though one could possibly drown from breathing too deeply. And the electricity goes out regularly, which happens all over India, but somehow seems to happen more regularly and for longer intervals here. And it is maddeningly difficult to find beer, much less booze, and the meager selection of "beer only" bars that exist doesn't stay open past 11 pm. And yet, with all of these strikes against it, Fort Cochin is charming. There are countless lovely restaurants and cafes and art galleries and quaint streets to stroll down unencumbered by wandering cows. And if that is not enough, Vasco De Gama slept here.