Dont let the poor behind in this economic surge
by cochinjew
In today’s newspaper, there is a plea to include everyone in this economic surge. 60 per cent of the country is illiterate and I find that only about 25 per cent of the country is intelligently literate. The figure is higher for Kerala but even there, judging by the quality of young people working in tourist industry, one is left to wonder about an education system that has left so many people incapable of learning anything but only capable of memorizing. For the powers to be it is good to have a large stock of people who are not educated and freely available for labour at a cheaper rate. Thus the resurgence of much of the tourism sector, where one could employ many more people, the service sector where many more people than necessary could be seen to be working. To me there is no point in talking about the hypocrisy of the matter, when 400 million people, nearly 40 per cent of the population live for one usd or less per day...
The educational system has already fallen down, the public health is tethering on breakdown, doctors have been driven into the private sector to make a comfortable living but even for those who can afford to pay, the acumen is not clearly comforting or correct from the diagnostic point of view.
I certainly hope that they will spend some money, decrease the corruption and the huge pockets of bureaucrats who become rich by taking money to do the work they are paid to d
The new economy caters for those who are seen as productive members of the society. Not workers not wage earners but those who know the system to lubricate it well enough to get ahead financially. It does not take originality to do this, but it does take corruption and increasing corruption.
India makes me realize that for all its poverty, Cuba is much more oriented towards helping its citizens than India and that the solidarity the Cubans feel with each other is a quality alien to the ordinary Indian.
Possibly the best vegetarian restaurant in Cochin
by cochinjew about Sri Krishna Cafe
It took us some time to find this place, especially walking through the deserted streets of jew town at night.. but near where the gujeratis are, bright lights beckon you to Krishna cafe with an owner welcoming you with a broad smile There is A/C and non A/C section and the prices are slightly different. I recommend the a/c section, quieter and good service.
Dosai, Poori, Parotha and Masala.
We had Stuffed Parotta and Vegetable Masala Dosai
St Francis Church
by Willettsworld
There was originally a wooden church built here in 1503, shortly after the Portuguese first arrived, which was dedicated to St. Bartholomew. Francisco de Almeida, the Portuguese viceroy, was allowed, in 1506, by the Raja of Cochin, to reconstruct wooden buildings in stone and masonry. The wooden church was rebuilt, presumably by Franciscan friars, with bricks and mortar and a tiled roof was erected. In 1516, the new church was completed and it was dedicated to St. Antony. This current church is the oldest in India.
The Franciscans retained control over the church till the Dutch captured Kochi in 1663. While the Portuguese were Roman Catholics, the Dutch were protestants. They demolished all the churches except this one. In 1795, the British captured Kochi from the Dutch but they allowed the latter to retain the church. In 1804, the Dutch voluntarily handed over the church to the Anglican Communion. It is believed that the Anglicans changed the name of the patron saint to St. Francis.
The Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon. His gravestone of can still be seen inside along with those of Portuguese (on the northern wall) and Dutch (on the southern wall).
Admission: Rs10.
Santa Cruz Basilica
by SirRichard
This huge church, made Cathedral by the Pope Paul IV in 1558, can be visited on mass time only. But if you take a taxi for a city tour, tell the driver to call the priest who lives there and can show you the place for a little tip .
It was demolished by the british when they took over Cochin in 1795 and reconstructed in 1887.
Uncommon patterns and colours
by cadzand
Between the hevea plantations and the visit to Abraham's Spice Garden in Kumuli, we bumped on this beautiful church, on top of a hill, surrounded by tea and coffee plantations.
It's very special architecture, the uncommon mixt of colours and patterns kept our attention.
If you know where this church is located, pls let me know, as I've forgot to write it down
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Food stall in the shade
Steet - Kochi
Hindu Temple in Cochin
Cochin
