First entry into India - Kochi or Cochin in the State of Kerala showed the many nice things and the not so nice things about India. In this region, the land is low and much has been reclaimed from the sea. In a large fresh water lake, bamboo house boats are used for both living quarters and tourist accommodations. Along the shore, women wash clothes by beating them against rocks. The adjoining below sea level rice field are flooded once a year for the annual crops. The Chinese came here some 2000 years ago and introduced a method of net fishing that is not even practiced in China anymore. The nets are lowered into the water for about 5 minutes then raised and a successful catch on almost every dip. People zoom about the city on motor bikes, Tuk Tuks - small 3 wheeled taxis plus families even canoe across the lake to go to school. Lunch was very nice with traditional rice and curry dishes. Some city infrastructure such as waste disposal and sanitary facilities would make this place a lot nicer. A labourer wage is about $12 per day.