We started out with a walk at 7 AM and already I am sweaty and hot. We saw the house and church (St Francis) of Vasco deGama and where he was buried. We saw some more fishing boats. There were people lined up in crowds along the waterfront waiting for the big cruise ships to come by.They look so humongous in this setting and everybody is excited. We saw a bunch of other churches including Santa Cruz Basilica which is the church our family from last night goes to- it was packed and people were flowing out all the doors. They were playing some very nice music in there. After breakfast we went to Mattancherry Palace- 1550. There were some awesome murals of the Ramayana, some of which were partially restored. They decided to do it in sections instead of closing down for restoration so it would remain open for visitors. Unfortunately for me- no photos allowed! I already got in trouble for taking a photo of the sign on my way in. Also inside were portraits of all the Maharajas, the earliest dating to the 1500's. Then we went to "Jew town" and the Paradise Synagogue (1664).They were persecuted by the Portuguese along the coast and came to this place under the protection of the Maharaja. There are only 20Jews living here now but many shops and restaurants are open. We did a little shopping at the women's cooperative- no bargains here! Then we ate at an outdoor waterfront restaurant finishing with cool ginger ice-cream. After another dip in the pool we are now off to another dance performance.

Back from the dance. Men only, dressed as men and women.The best part was getting to sit on the side of the stage and watching them put on the make-up. The expressions, eye movement and hand and finger movements were carefully choreographed. The make up boy was also the drummer. He was only 11 but well skilled at both. He is studying to be an actor. He is learning all aspects of theatre and can start acting when he is 16. His drumsticks are curved!