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Portugese + Dutch + Keralites = Fort Kochi : )

In the outskirts of the Indian peninsula, Fort Kochi is a rather well-known seaside area with good food, good vibes, and a very good ground cover of trees and plant life. Speaking of which, I noticed many of these tall coconut trees standing with their half-shaved mohawks, which could be a sign of the huge wind speeds along the coast. And as we made our way from the city of Ernakulam into the island where Fort Kochi is located, we could already spot religious sentiments graffitied along the bridgeway, which was the perfect segue to St. Francis Church. This was first built in 1503 by Portuguese allies as Catholic settlement began and was even the first of its kind in India. Many turbulent events later, this church is now a mosaic of historical value, including the gravestones that decorate the inner façade, the gabled wooden roof, and the remains of Vasco da Gama's tombstone. And even though we did not stay in the church for much longer, there were many architectural details across ...
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Kochi's Hill Palace!

 As we began climbing the steps towards Kochi's Hill Palace, we began to fully grasp the grandeur that must have once defined Kochi's royal bearings. This complex itself is composed of an archaeological museum, deer park, and a heritage museum. We have to remove our shoes before entering the palace, which brought us in direct contact with the sun-kissed tiles on the ground, so we tiptoed inside with great aplomb. This palace was built by the Raja of Kochi in 1865, Sri Thampuran, and the architecture takes influence from both traditional Kerala wood-based intricate designs and European tilework and motifs. Since India was under colonial rule at the time, this palace served as both the residence and administrative centre for the royal family of Kerala, and today, under the governance of the Department of Archaeology, we can see artifacts from those times still preserved at the site. We often see the elephant motif, which is part of the court's insignia. There are multiple roo...
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History packed in a round plaza (Sankt Thomas, Copenhagen : )

 If you start to think about it, any spot in the world could have been a monumental place in its time, but now gets overwritten by newer world events. Just like this Sankt Thomas Plads in Copenhagen, which acknowledges the country villa that was demolished in favour of newer construction. Does it mean we must learn to let go? No, rather it recognizes the value of history while still making the present accessible to newer audiences.  A moment of appreciation, that's all! Airial image credit:  copenhagenbycosedis What first caught my eye in Copenhagen was the way this circular plaza seamlessly blended into the road, which immediately gives the impression that one must slow down and look around, although the real achievement here is that Sankt Thomas Plads offers a small respite from the rest of the city's concrete jungle. From an aerial view, one can easily spot the residential buildings surrounding it, and as I walked around this cobblestoned junction, I spotted the Sankt ...
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Climbing the tallest church of our savior in Copenhagen, Denmark : )

 Every road I took or boat I ferried on, I was just not able to escape the sight of this magnificent building in Copenhagen. Out of a lingering, unreconciled curiosity, I stepped into the Church of Our Saviour, which describes itself as Lutheran-Protestant. Since the actual interior was under construction at the time, I took a ticket to climb up the 400 steps and catch a bird's-eye view of the city. To be honest, I knew nothing about this 17th-century marvel, so all my next discoveries were as much overwhelming as serendipitous. The Baroque design inside was accentuated by actual pieces of the construction, including previously mended façade portions and statues, which oddly added to the spiritual effect of the climb. As I ascended over some creaking and thin wooden steps, I began realizing that the tower is really, really tall. I mean, the 90 m height totally creeps up on you with the full effect of a cardio workout as you carefully squeeze past woodwork and other descending peopl...
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Kochi's folklore museum : )

 Kochi's very own folklore museum deserves a spotlight in its own right as a sacred spot of preserved history. It is dense, maximalist, and filled to the brim with artworks that span decades into the past. This is primarily a family-owned business with over 30 years of historical artifacts in storage, so you find yourself walking alongside religious motifs and palatial décor that was likely used rigorously by Kerala's royal courts and nobility. There are over 6,000 pieces of individual works to admire, and as I traversed the three floors, staring into the symmetrical designs and woodwork, it stunned me how brilliant those artisans were to achieve this level of fine quality and workmanship, especially considering that their work has outlived them and now immortalizes an actual era of Indian history. Meanwhile, the museum itself boasts intricate woodwork on the staircases, doorways, and ceilings, so no matter where your eyes settle, there is a whole world of paint, design, and ma...
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Sitting on a swan in Copenhagen!

In Copenhagen, there is one small transportation experience you must take: a whole swan paddle boat. I found this one in Peblinge Lake, which is part of the three artificial reservoirs created along the city center. Although I first noticed this region for its affinity for walkers and joggers, the shallow waters themselves are home to a few ducks, swans, and grebes. This humble boat can mimic the inhabitants just as well, allowing you to confidently paddle around them. I found it quite pleasant to leisurely sway along with the water while appreciating the landscape in the Nørrebro neighborhood. The tall and wide buildings, set apart from one another by design and color, invite your eyes to sit and appreciate each one for itself. I even took some time to read a book while drifting along with the wind, until I found myself too close to a swan nest, and then I retreated to safer waters, wisely. And in just about an hour, I was ready for my next adventure, so if you've got time to kill...
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House boating in Alleppey, Keralam : )

 When we were first making our way towards the houseboat in Alleppey, we had only a vague idea of how the backwaters look in Kerala, the aquatic plant life and village communities that live around them. So when we were introduced to our captain, Jaydas, for a trip of 2 nights, we were simply not ready for the adventure ahead of us.  Our houseboat is essentially composed of a wide deck and an upper floor that coughs up a panoramic view of the life outside. The hallway acts as the main artery connecting all living spaces, so we made sure not to clutter that region. Our boat had the capacity to switch on an air conditioner in the evening time so we could relax without fear of humidity or mosquitoes after a big day of sightseeing. We, of course, had ample opportunity to take a walk outside when the boat was at port along the journey. Our first big surprise, apart from the glittery waters and eager flocks of birds, was the lunch menu itself. When we saw the lavish spread, we honest...
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