monday was the day we decided to go to Cabo de Rama Fort, which is about 30 kilometers away, up the coast, north. It is very high, and on a promentary.
We went there by rickshaw. Nagesh the driver, who goes quite slowly on the very bad roads, is the one who has taken us to several places now. It is rather like riding in an oval biscuit tin, painted yellow. There are two tinny doors, and nowhere to hang on as you sway and bump along. No windows in the front doors, and the driver sits in the middle, operating the handles and clutch. In his windscreen are small pictures of Hindu deities.
But since the computer i am typing this on had a crazy keyboard, i will have to continue another day.
Continued on better computer and keyboard. Thursday.
There is not much to add, except I felt rather sorry for the rickshaw itself, as it laboured up the gradients. At one point the engine stalled, and it seemed like all three of us would start going backwards. Luckily Nagesh started it up again. The roads are very poor, of course, and the cows and bulls do not get out of the way.
At Cabo de Rama, there is remains of a very ancient fort, pre Portuguese, made of reddish, rugged stone blocks, with a few old cannon. There is a fantastic view over the coast line, stretching far into the distance, and far below the tops of palm trees. It was empty, except for five other visitors. There are arrow or gun slits in the walls facing the sea.
Quiet, atmospheric, and with a hint of previous civilizations in the square muddy pool, behind the fortifications, with stone steps going down into the water, and surrounded by massive jungle trees.
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