30 hours after leaving JFK International Airport in New York, I have finally arrived at Cardamom County.  Here are a few first impressions of Kerala:

1. Scanning the other passengers arriving into Cochin, because of my white-ish skin, it was evident that I was the minority. Moreover, for the first time in my life, people stared at me as if I was different.  They looked at my U.S passport as if only a few existed in the world, and tried to engage in conversation with me, eager to try out their English.  It is a very weird feeling going from a place where it is so easy to fit in, to a place where you can only stand out.  It will be interesting to see how this feeling progresses over the next 2 months.

2. Driving in India is different to say the least!  While I was not even in fact driving, just being in the passenger seat made my heart race.  During the drive through the mountainous villages from Cochin to Cardamom County, I only saw a couple of traffic lights.  It is easy to take for granted the traffic infrastucture in developed countries.  We abide by it, but all it takes are a few people to disregard traffic rules and chaos would ensue.

3. Thekkady is beautiful, even in the rain!  As you drive through the windy roads that climb up the mountain, the view becomes spectacular.  The spice plantations in Thekkady are also gorgeous and the rain only adds to its beauty.  Definitely worth a visit, even in monsoon season!