
Fruit seller on Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam is quiet for a change.
“Traveling is like toilet paper: The closer you get to the end the quicker it runs out.” — Chrissy after her friend Vanina.
What was in a sense my busiest day so far is the day I have the least to write about and is also the day I took the most pictures. Fewer words, more images. Trivandrum and Kovalam by rickshaw, an Om tattoo on the inner right ankle, ritual prayer (puja) to the Divine Mother, and I wore local clothing — a nice change from my daily costume of white T‑shirt.

Our rickshaw driver took us for some cheap, tasty, spicy breakfast on the way to town.

A family at the beach parking lot avoid the camera.

Corinne and Lily carefully choose our first non-ashram lunch.

A tourist takes Lonely Planet’s advice to sunbathe conservatively.

Corinne’s favorite young man strikes a pose.