As the plane dropped down over the lush vegetation of Kerala in the soft warm light of dawn, I felt a wave of joy to be back. The first time I have travelled back to a familiar place.
Back to Indian form filling, rubber stamps, long lines in immigration, Ebola checks.
We left the airport past crowds of families, expectant faces, beautifully dressed, all,waiting to greet bread winners arriving on the many flights from the Middle East that arrive first thing in the morning. A welcoming respect to those who send money home.
We too received a warm welcome at the homestay we left two years ago. Same room, a month earlier than before, bourganvillia in full flower, crows still sitting on the washing line!
A short rest and off to the biennale. Jayesh smiling, waiting to greet us at the ticket office, the same guy who sold us our tickets two years ago and recognised Charlie from Facebook, and Edwin from Bangalore another volunteer we met before in Mattancherry.
We are back!
