Day 55 - Cochin: History, Synagogues, Surprises & A Universe with Other Plans



We arrived into Cochin early this morning, which meant a change to the usual routine as our tour was scheduled to leave at 8:15am. Something nudged me last night to double-check our tickets — and I’m glad it did — because I realised we were actually booked on a different tour to the one I thought we had chosen.

First thing this morning I spoke to the team, but they confirmed that this was indeed our allocated tour and that it was too late to switch to the Ayurvedic experience. At least we still have the Ayurvedic tour booked for Galle… or so we thought.

Joe, however, was deeply disappointed. He had got up early under the impression we were heading off for an Ayurvedic day and immediately started predicting that this new tour would involve far too much walking. His back, apparently, had already lodged a formal complaint.

Cochin Through History

Despite the rocky start, the tour guide was excellent, with a deep knowledge of Cochin’s layered history and cultures.

Our first stop was the Dutch “palace” — actually a large house that now serves as a museum preserving the history of Cochin. Joe sat this one out, as it involved climbing several stairs above a Hindu temple.



We then walked down Jew Street and Spice Street, arriving at the Pardesi Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Once the heart of Jewish life in Cochin, today there is just one remaining Jewish gentleman who serves as custodian of this heritage. The synagogue is still fully functioning, and on the High Holy Days a Rabbi travels in to lead services, bringing a Minyan with him.




After exploring both the synagogue and its museum, we had some free time to wander slowly back toward the bus. We visited the Jewish shop once owned by Sarah Cohen and admired Mandalay Hall, now a boutique hotel.



A Tactical Retreat (and a Win for Joe)

We then boarded the bus towards Fort Cochin, where the rest of the group would explore St Francis Church and then take a riverboat cruise along the coastline.

The guide mentioned it would involve around a 20-minute walk — which was Joe’s absolute limit for the day. So we made a tactical decision to stay on the coach, which conveniently was returning to the port to collect everyone later.

Joe was delighted — it meant we’d be back in time for lunch at Compass Rose. A definite win-win.

Immigration Drama (and Missing Wife Syndrome)

Back at the port, we headed through immigration. Joe was very keen to get back onboard to reconnect to the Wi-Fi… so keen, in fact, that he didn’t realise I wasn’t behind him until he reached the ship.

Only then did he discover:

  • I was nowhere to be seen

  • I had his phone and keycard in my bag

I’m still not entirely sure whether he was more panicked about me or the phone.

As for me, I remain none the wiser about what the issue was with my e-visa. It had been perfectly fine earlier that morning and the past 3 days. Immigration couldn’t explain the delay either — but after two more officials inspected it, they waved me through.

Eventually, reunion achieved.

Quiz Life & A Lovely Evening

After lunch, Joe headed up on deck with his audiobook and then off to the quiz. It was a tough one today — his team came joint second.

I spent a chilled afternoon, with the late nights and early mornings finally catching up with me.

This evening we had dinner with Joe’s quiz teammates, which was really lovely. A couple from Germany — whom I’d actually toured with in Mumbai — and two Canadian couples. The conversation flowed easily, and it was one of those evenings that reminds you how special these shared journeys are.

It feels quite surreal to realise we now have just one more month before we leave the ship in Sydney. I’m honestly not sure I’m ready for reality to return just yet.

A Change of Plans (Again)

Tonight we were advised that rough weather in Galle means the ship won’t be able to use tender boats. As a result, the itinerary has changed and we will now be doing an overnight stay in Colombo instead.

This means — you guessed it — another reshuffle of tours, and sadly, we will miss the Ayurvedic tour and massage altogether.

Perhaps the universe is gently telling us that this just isn’t meant to happen.

The upside?
We don’t arrive in Colombo until 1pm tomorrow, which means no early start for Joe — as long as he’s quiz-ready by 11:45am.

Daily Reflection:

Travel teaches flexibility — and occasionally reminds us
that even the best-laid plans are sometimes just practice in letting go.

Highlight of the Day:

✨ Standing inside the Pardesi Synagogue, feeling the weight and resilience of centuries of history. 

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