Kerala - God's own country

Last December just like every other year, I flew back to my motherland – Kerala.

Kerala is a narrow strip of land located on the southwestern edge of the Indian subcontinent. Kerala is famous for its culture, spices, beaches and backwaters. I was there for just over a month and honestly, I felt as though it wasn’t long enough. The trip was just fantastic, I’ve never had this much fun during my previous visits. It felt great waking up every morning to the most beautiful scenes ever. Kerala is the greenest place I’ve seen! The coconut palms, the red tiled houses, the innumerable lakes and beaches, oh I miss it so dearly! The beauty of Kerala is really beyond written description. 

The Backwaters of Kerala

Kumarakom is known for its famous backwaters of Kerala and is one of the must go place when you visit Kerala.

The houseboat started moving in water and it was a very relaxing experience. We could see hundreds of other houseboats moving in the backwaters. A voyage along the backwaters on one of the traditional thatched boats is one of the quite essential Kerala experiences. As the houseboat drifted along, we could hear clothes smacking against stone as women did the laundry by the water’s edge while the kids paused their games and waved in our direction. The captain docked the houseboat beneath some palm trees as we stopped for lunch, the cook onboard whipped up incredible meals for us, cooking enough food for 18. We feasted on grilled fish, chilli prawns, pappadums, a variety of coconut chutneys, spicy seafood curries and fried bananas for a teatime snack

Around 6pm our boat came to a halt. Our boat was parked on the bank and we enjoyed evening tea along with some snacks. We could see local’s houses near the bank and see their daily routines. 

Sunset 

Following morning - view from my bedroom 

Munnar

Munnar, located in east Kerala it’s famous for its vibrant shade of green. The steep hillsides are covered with about 60,000 acres of tea plantations. 

                                                                  

Kochi 

Kochi, one of the most reputed scenic natural harbor’s in the world. 

"She knew that this moment would be with her always, within hands reach memory”           – Nostalgia - home is where the heart is

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

I stood gazing at the well-known banner on the upper part of the shop,  featuring the word “Max Brenner”. I opened the door and entered the bar, warm air welcomed me with the smell of coffee, mixing the smell of chocolates and cakes. The baristas stood in front of me, smiling an amicable smile and welcoming me to the shop. The first attraction for me was the baked foods, they were tidily placed on the transparent glass cabinets, lined up and waiting for me to eat them. We flipped open the menu and I started salivating immediately. The staff took our orders; we got the receipt and head of to pick a table.

The menu was pricey, but if you have a sweet tooth, you definitely won't be disappointed. So be  prepared to run up a good bill because you'll want to try everything on the menu! You'll leave with a wallet that’s lighter, and you'll be a bit heavier but it’s so worth it however! Mb has a large selection of hot chocolates and creative specialty cocktails.

My Cappuccino arrived within minutes in an adorable "hug mug", which made it easier to drink from.  The shape and size of the mug is designed perfectly for a nice warm hot chocolate or cappuccino.

 

 

The menu is very different and unique, but they still have a lot of the standard "go to" items. But, make sure you always save room for dessert, because that is where the best flavors come from. For dessert, the options are endless and it was very difficult to make a decision. Again, it is a big menu with a lot of variety. I am a chocoholic so this place is my sanctuary.

Vintage photographs and quotes placed around the walls of the shop which creates a warm and perky mood

The smooth steamed milk surfed in my mouth and the drink tasted very dense and creamy. The sound of chatters and laughter blended harmoniously with the background music. The taste of the Cappuccino and its bubbles twirled around my tongue, and my cappuccino smile smothered in bliss. Max Brenner is definitely a chocolate lover's dream!