Merry Christmas Eve from Varkala Beach!
It was a bit strange, celebrating Christmas away from all of our friends and family but it was certainly an experience we’ll remember for years to come.
We did what most people do here – We started our morning with a traditional Indian breakfast, hung out at the beach, surfed, sipped tea, checked out the local “Christmas tree” and nativity scene, watched Home Alone 1 & 2, etc. The usual.
Even though I was dearly missed many of the things I associate with Christmas – Gingerbread lattes, my Shane & Shane Christmas CD, fires, present wrapping, and family – Will made my Christmas extra special with a surprise necklace for me. He had held onto it for 6 months, since our time in Austin. I was so surprised (and moved!), I cried. So sweet of him to think of me.
We also gave each other a 500 rs ($10) limit to go shop for each other on the beach. There are a thousand little shops that pop up every morning and sell all sorts of native things. We met back at our hotel and exchanged our gifts. It was fun.
Will got a pair of pants that he had been eyeing. They are a cross between linen and muslin. They tie in the back, and I think local fisherman wear them. I got the baller bicycle that I had been eyeing as well. It’s about a foot long and 9″ tall. Can’t wait to see it in Ridgewood house. Merry Christmas to us!
We had a gorgeous ocean view, live Keralan music, and delicious fresh seafood. We toasted our bizarre Christmas and sat back and enjoyed the whole experience.
