Day 09 : At Kottaramthuruthu, Ferry Boat and Coir
- Muhammed Luqman O P
- Jan 10, 2024
- 1 min read
My day began with a delightful breakfast of dosas cooked by Imbrahimkka, setting a positive tone for the day. Deciding to explore the Kottaramthuruth region of Perumathura, I wished for some serendipitous experiences along the way. As I strolled near the ferry point, I encountered an old woman accompanied by an elderly man, patiently awaiting the kadathuvanji (ferryboat). Spotting Naseerkka, the familiar boatman who had ferried me, Sajid, and Prof. Anu Joy the previous week, heightened my excitement. Eager to engage in more meaningful conversation this time, I joined them, embarking on a boat journey this time to cross the backwater and reach Azhoor.
Naseerkka shared a wealth of information, spanning topics such as fishing practices in the Kadinamkulam backwater, the dynamics of inflows and outflows in the backwater, the enhanced deliciousness of fishes in this area, and details about coir production, including the coir mill situated on the banks of Kadinamkulam in Azhoor. While the couple accompanying us remained mostly silent, the man occasionally contributed tidbits to the conversation. Upon reaching Azhoor, I captured images of the coir twisting process and engaged in conversations with the diligent workers.
A woman approached me, seeking assistance in kick-starting her scooter. Despite multiple attempts, I couldn't fulfill this request. As Naseerkka prepared to return to Kottaramthuruth, he showed me one-handed fiddler crabs hiding in their holes. During the return trip, he elaborated on ferry timings, government payments and reminisced about the days of ferrying in larger wooden boats capable of carrying even two-wheelers. The richness of this experience lingered, prompting me to take a nap afterward to compensate for the sleep deprivation from the previous night.

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