One of my dear Indian friends back home begged Shawn and me to don traditional Indian attire, snap evidence of our foray on a makeshift catwalk, and then share the images of our masquerade here.
Since space is at such a premium in our luggage, we could not justify the added weight of a man’s traditional lungi (or white sarong-like skirt, worn long or rolled-up, depending upon the heat and humidity levels).
Instead of purchasing the cloth that is so popular with male locals in Kerala, we improvised, and borrowed our guest house’s bed sheet for just under an hour. (Yes, we had to sneak it out using our backpack, but the hotel owner can rest assured that it was unharmed.) As we stepped out onto the street looking for good photo spots, I was thrilled to have yet another excuse to wear my new kurta and stole, in one of my favorite color combinations – grey blue and white.
But it was Shawn who stole the show. Perhaps he showed a bit too much leg! The locals beamed smiles of epic proportions as they saw him attempt to twist and turn the white sheet into a proper lungi. Some men approached by boat (from the waters just behind our makeshift photo studio) while others begged to be in the photograph.
I love the ease at which the people of India smile; the zest for life and playful spirit with which they approach life is very special!
Hope you enjoy the pictures, Deepti! :) Thank you for the posting idea.
Where in the World?
Planning Pointers:
- We used Kochi (Cochin) as our hub during our time in the region. From there, it was easy to book day-trips into Kerala’s backwaters, and to Munnar, which we explored next.
- Need more inspiration? This link contains an index of all my posts from India.
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
Travels With Tricia 
Oh this is fabulous. The ‘Kerala lungi’ is called a mundu. You both look extremely comfortable.
Thank you for the cultural tidbit, Ruth! India has such a fascinating mélange of cultures – it’s such a challenge and a delight to learn about the languages and details. We’ve just left Kerala and have now returned to Mumbai. Trying to remember “shoukrias” instead of “nannie” and “nanndy” now. :-)
Bed sheet? Toga party? Your outfit was much more adorable. Great idea.
:-) Thanks, Victor!
It was quite a feat getting my husband to complete this mission. He was in good company since several other North American and European male tourists were also spotted sporting the lungi… Given how hot and humid it is in southern India now, I think it makes superb fashion sense!
Trish, you looked beautiful in your Indian attire. Shawn, I think you were brave to appear in public!
:)
its great .. to live like keralite (indian) when you are on those soil ..
perhaps that’s yours kindness and concern .. good to see and feel ..
cheers !!
Hello Subhash – I purchased a traditional Kerala sari while in Munnar too, but didn’t get a chance to get it tailored. It’s special that each state has their own special style and colors. What rich cultures…
Love seeing those pictures! You guys seem to have a lot of fun….wish I could join you on your world tour. Anna Leja
Hi Anna! Great to hear from you; we also wish that we could stow all our friends and family into our luggage and bring them along :) Your travels are also inspirational… So, last year was South Africa – what places are next at the top of your travel wish list?
Hi Tricia, Just nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. You might be familiar with it already but see my blog for details :)
Hello Pheebz – how kind of you – I’m humbled by your nomination; thank you. :-) Will refer to your site shortly…
Wonderful Blog, Tricia! Thank you for your interest in mine – and for leading me here!
A pleasure to meet you, Yvonne! That’s the joy of blogging isn’t it? :) Look forward to seeing more of your art!
I do think you had the best of the bargain. Very pretty outfit – love the colours.
Your message was somehow lost in the shuffle, Rachael. Belated thanks! :)
What a delight to hear from you and read your blog. Today I did some exotic arm chair traveling thanks to you, Tricia. Virginia
Virginia, merci – it’s fun to link up with a fellow Francophile. Here’s hoping my tales will continue to transport you to inspiring places! :)
Hi just explored a few posts and I was thrilled to see some wonderful places and people from different parts of the world. Your ‘About’ too is fascinating.
Thank you so much!
Regards,
Dilip
Dilip, what a kind thing to say – thank you for such a nice comment with which to start the day! In which state in India do you live? Both my trips there have been so memorable, because of the kind and fun people we met.
All the best.
Wow… you guys look great in Mundu and Salwar :)
I am from Kerala, and used to wear Mundu very often.
Hope you had a great time exploring my native :)
Sreejith, thanks for your comment, and for giving the apparel its appropriate names.
Indeed, we had a fabulous time in Kerala. Not surprisingly, perhaps, our time cruising the backwaters was one of the highlights. In what part of India, or the world, do you call home now?