8th Jan 13        Day 6

Last day with the family, then off to my next adventure. So sad to say goodbye but we have ways of dealing with it. It is humid and suitably showery. I want to tip my cleaners separately but protocol says tips must go in the staff box. I do not believe the cleaners will get the same share as those with a higher status but who am I to interfere? Me, the person who don’t gift elderly beggars. When the maids have finished a stern boss cleaner comes in and runs her fingers round the furniture to make sure it’s been done properly. Then the bosses boss, a man, checks her up. 'Little bugs have littler bugs on their backs to bite 'em.' Women with handfuls of sticks brush  leaves off the grass, everyone is employed and busy helping to make our holiday comfortable. Experiencing the apparently happy service culture is warm and lovely and I haven't met anyone who doesn't smile and make me feel well cared for. Why then do I feel so uncomfortable?

There doesn’t seem to be a day in or out at this hotel. People arrive at any time and go on any day.

Mr S the tour guide has called me every day to ask if all is well and it has been great. I will come back.

Early on day 7 time to say goodbye to the family. Lots of hugs and tentative talk about when we’ll meet again. I am glad I am going on a tour now. It has softened the goodbye effect because I must think about another week of exciting unknowns.

K the driver shows up to take them to the airport. Then he will come back for me and we’ll be off to see more of Kerala. I comply with the hotel request and put my tips in the tip box.

I have my hotel vouchers, my itinerary and my toilet kit (a roll of toilet paper, a box of tissues and the botti wipes) accessible in my carrybag. Handwash is safe in my pocket. OK I'm ready, bye bye Travancore.......