Tuesday 15th April - Mumbai

Well you didn't think 26 days could go by without me getting my two-pence worth surely! I've persuaded Dan (aka blog addict) to relinquish his keyboard for one day so I can have the final word..nothing changes! We left Coconut Lagoon before the sun was up and took another boat ride to meet our taxi on the other side of the lake, ready for the 2 hour journey to Cochin airport in time for a morning flight to Bombay. Managed a quick breakfast first (in true Lee family style, we weren't to miss out on a bit of grub), and we were off, me feeling sick as is usual before a flight. Even after this trip it doesn't get any easier. Had an ok drive to the airport, apart from Sam bringing things to a halt 10 mins from our destination due to a quick vomit out the car window. It has become clear on this trip that Sam can cope with all forms of transport no problem, but put him in a car on a road in India (read VERY bumpy) and that's it..."my tummy really hurts" is the first warning sign, then he turns from white to grey to green, and then you know you've got less than 10 mins till chunder time!! Flight went ok, and we were met at Bombay airport to scorching weather (yippee) and a nice man from the Leela hotel to drive us to our last port of call before flying home tomorrow. The Leela lived up to our high expectations following our very first gorgeous night in the Goa sister hotel. We spent the afternoon soaking up final few rays of Indian sun (me) and swimming (kids) before enjoying getting ready in our lovely ar conditioned, non humid, very clean modern bathroom! (Can you tell how happy I am here?!). Dan wanted to go out for last minute shopping but the rest of us were happy to take advantage of the complimentary bar on the 8th floor...he didn't need too much convincing after the first G&T, and once Sam and Carrie got their hands on the pitta and hummous there was no moving us. So that about does it for the day...and the whole trip. Tomorrow is the dreaded long flight home, my worst part of any holiday. But this really has been a special 26 days, I never thought I would visit India, let alone with 2 children so young. We did it and it has been something none of us will forget. I think the kids have had a ball during their time here, and considering they have done : 5 flights, 3 train journeys, 25 hours on a coach, 1 cycle rickshaw ride, 6 tuk tuk rides, 4 boat rides, countless taxi journeys, 2 camel rides and 1 elephant ride, I think they've done brilliantly!

Monday 14th April - Coconut Lagoon day 3

After breakfast today we took a one hour motorised canoe ride through the backwaters - great fun and a little slice of local life, seeing the morning routines of waterside families. A really good alternative to a five-hour house boat trip, which the kids would have hated after an hour. In the pool by 10,30 and a nice lunch in the restaurant. The usual afternoon sleep for the kids while Mel and I shared a beer on the porch. We managed to do the sunset cruise this evening, as the rain was not happening, but the sunset was a bit of a disappointment. A night-time swim for me and the kids when we got back. Evening meal was preceded by some final packing as we are getting ready to leave this lovely country....

Sunday 13th April - Coconut Lagoon day 2

A nice day spent by the pool - milkshakes, pizza, sandwiches. After an afternoon sleep I took the kids for a walk round the resort, fed the fish with some bread, saw the miniature cows, messed around in a hammock. We planned to do our complimentary "sunset cruise", but it was starting to rain and the boat was packed, so we headed to the bar instead for more games & a bit of Harry Potter on DVD (a theme for the holiday...).

Saturday 12th April - transfer to Coconut Lagoon

After breakfast we checked out and hopped in the taxi for the transfer to Coconut Lagoon. Same driver as the other day as both resorts are owned by the same company. In 30 mins we were at the jetty, waiting for our boat transfer to the resort on the other side of Vembanadu Lake. We had a slice of luck here, because it was taking a while for the normal transfer boat to come, we managed to get a ride on a traditional house boat instead (for free!). Great 30 min ride over the lake in style. That will probably be our house boat experience, as they tend to run 5 hour trips here, and we think the kids will be pretty bored after the first hour or so...
We have a "Heritage Mansion" here, which is great, because Mel and I are sleeping in a raised area above the kids, which makes a change from "Can you turn the light off Mum!!"
Had a great day by the pool, and then settled in at the bar with Snakes & Ladders and Ludo before dinner. Massive thunderstorm struck soon after - quite exciting, and a bit scary for Carrie.