Along the roads of history

I had been planning to go out for months, ever since a dear friend from my office had asked me to go alone to a place I had never visited before. And when I rode my friend's bike to the Cochin Boat Jetty to take a boat to Mattancherry, I had two intentions in my mind. One was to fulfill my promise to her and myself as a writer, by visiting a place I knew less of, and secondly, to find a location for the short-film I am trying to make.

Frankly, Sundays aren't good for a boat ride, especially if it is mid-June and a lot wet. Only the regular travelers, and some occasional couples who would sit in the back-end of the boat, would be there. And I was one among them, looking forward for a nice walk despite the rain.

The people in the boat were silent. The couples were trying to make-out. I was reading midnight's children. Not the kind of fun ride I expected, but when you choose to go alone to an unknown place, this is all that you should expect.

I reached Mattancherry Boat Jetty in just 15-20 minutes, and from there I started walking. The famous Mattancherry Palace (aka the Dutch Palace) was the closest, so I walked to that ancient place. (Now I am not a photographer, or they wouldn't let us take pics. But since I am not a historian or a traveler, I am just adding the pics from Google, while I narrate about my day)

Image Courtesy: keralatourism.org

What was most captivating about the palace, apart from the historical data that they have put in all the rooms and the amazing displays of our ancestors who ruled us, was the mural paintings that was there in different rooms. What made me sad was that they have started to fade, thanks to the 'proper' way of taking care of priceless art. But nevertheless, it was beautiful. Inside the palace, one could feel the depth of the people who once stayed there. Now it is museum. Once people lived there, ruled us from there. Of all the museums I have gone to, I believe this could make me feel something deep. Maybe perhaps the souls of the ages were still wandering, watching me as I astonishingly looked at their portraits and photos.

From there I walked to the Jewish Synagogue, and to reach there, I took the long and amazing route of the infamous Jewish Street, the street that sells numerous artifacts, goods, handicrafts, and more. There were many spices shop that sold genuine and amazing spices too. Coffee shops with aromatic coffee that one could smell even from outside. Man, that road alone is a perfect place for all the senses of mankind.

Image Courtesy: smspostcard2.blogspot.com

The Jewish Synagogue is truly one of its kinds. I first met a lady, who was truly frustrated with people with cameras, and I was guided first to a room that the history of the Jewish Synagogue. Later, I was guided to the inside of the Synagogue, which was small and yet breathtaking. Inside I didn't feel God, but peace was a certain emotion that I experienced (peace is not an emotion, but I felt it there, so let me call it an emotion now).

Image Courtesy: wikimedia.org

From there I walked ahead to the Jewish Cemetery, and I couldn't go in, because the gatekeeper had gone home. So I walked back, and reached the Crafters, a cafe at the junction that diverts to the synagogue and Police museum. I had a Chicken Cutlet and Coffee from there, having which I realized that I have just found a location for ANOTHER story of mine.

I walked back to see many arts shop, where they sold paintings of artists. People would just go in and look and leave, while I saw the efforts the artists took in those breathtaking paintings. They even had a painting that looked as if it was not a painting, but a photo. I wish if I could buy one particular painting from there, which showed lust at its peak.

I took the boat back to Marine Drive, and I was feeling happy. I met many people, Jews, Artists, shop keepers. I feel in love with the street. One day I will go back there, but I will make sure that it is not just  a mere visit, but I will be taking a full-scale movie there, just to capture the beauty of the roads of history, where people doesn't fight, and all you can feel is peace and harmony.