Hola mates! Well, the
title to this experience may sound weird but as you advance through the
article, you may agree with me. It’s my experience, unabridged and candid, so I
hope you read this with an open mind. I wish to to detail this using seven facts that I realized during this whole experience.
First of all, a fact- I love to eat. Especially when I’m
bored, alone, happy and indeed when hungry.
So here I was yesterday, browsing through the “infotainment” channels on
TV. I paused shuffling the channels when I saw TLC (Travel & Living Channel
by Discovery) and their selection of ten best sandwiches in the world. As you
might have deduced, I watched the whole thing and felt hungry. Not just hungry,
but I craved for a real good Western sandwich that could satisfy the lust of my
taste buds. But I live in Cochin, a place where sandwiches are not the local
favorite. Although I knew near Fort Kochi & other Beach sides, tourist
attraction was high and thus businesses ran catering to the international
dining needs. Figuring that out, I ran a check through tripadvisor website and found
top 100 culinary destinations in the district and #7 on the list was a café on
the shores of Cherai beach, less than 10 kms away from my home. The reviews
were great, and their menu boasted a particular “World’s Best Sandwich”.
Second fact- I had just learnt how to ride a motorcycle
properly and had bought one recently. But I never took it out to farther
distances from my home; actually, my grandparents take too much care of me and
thus restrict me from the same fearing my safety. But the sandwich was a dream
that could come true and moreover, my bike could run some extra miles. I so
wanted to take it out but the idea of taking the machine out till Cherai
sounded nightmare-ish to my grandparents. So yesterday wilted away and thus came
today. The sandwich was still a dream. So after my lunch I lay on my bed
thinking what to do. I was messaging with one of my close friends, when I told
her about my plan. She, being the craziest and encouraging person that I know,
urged me to go. So at evening four, I gave a short notice to all at home and
dressed up and revved up the bike. They agreed, although they were worried of
my safety.
Third fact- Cherai beach was a frequent destination for my
parents and myself from the time when I was a little kid. So I had a particular
affection to that place somewhere inside. Picturing that nostalgically, I rode
the bike through a slight drizzle that just spiced up the ride. I rode on, and
through heavy traffic, managed and swerved the bike enough to save my life
several times and reached Cherai. Sure enough, it was flooded with people and
the sound of the waves was as mesmerizing as ever. By then, a smile had bloomed
on my face, automatically. I didn’t know what had triggered it, but it did feel
good as I drove on, with the sea and the wind sprinkling salt water on my
spectacles.
Fourth fact- You crave for something too much, it
disappears. From Google maps, I had a general idea of where this restaurant was
and I checked both sides of the road for the name “Chillout Café”. I had read
that it was run by a French couple, which motivated me further to visit the
place for its authenticity. I rode past a handful of restaurants, homestays and
resorts but hadn’t yet found my target. But after a kilometer, towards the left
of me, I found an orange board heralding the name of the French café! As I
slowed down and examined, disappointment flooded me. The café had been closed
and it looked fairly permanent. You wouldn’t believe the way I felt. I felt
like I had cheated my tongue!
Fifth fact- If a door closes, then a thousand more doors
open. What next? Was the question. I
looked around and I found another orange coloured board saying “Le 3 Elephants-
Eco Resorts and French-Indo restaurant”. I felt happy to have found an
alternative. So I keyed the ignition and geared up. After some distance, the
road diverted and I followed the signboards. With the help of some locals, I
was able to locate the resort. Honestly, one would never expect a resort in the
midst of such a rural place. Anyway, I reached the place and, asked from
outside whether their restaurant was open. The employees asked me to go in and
I did.
Sixth fact- Expect the unexpected. I parked my bike and
stepped into a lobby that was traditionally furnished. In the vicinity I could
see several thatched villas overlooking a closed riverside. I was accompanied
to the restaurant under a thatched roof and was seated. Opposite to my table,
an extremely pretty White lady (French, I had guessed) was behind a laptop
typing away. She smiled at me in a very candid manner and I returned the
gesture. The waiter took my order for some fresh Orange juice and an egg and
bacon sandwich. The moment I ordered, I felt fulfilled. Stupidity maybe, but I
truly did. I rose from my seat and walked through a stone paved footpath that
led to the edge of the resort near the river. A solitary guy was fishing at one
end. The river looked so very tranquil that such a sense of peace engulfed me.
I must say that the atmosphere was at its best with a slight rain, silent
atmosphere, birds flying, greenery and the sound of the waves behind me half a
km away. I returned to my seat and freshly squeezed orange juice was in front
of me, which did taste pretty good. The sandwich arrived a bit late. Meanwhile,
the French beauty and myself kept glancing and smiling at each other. The
waiter had told me that she was one of the owners of the resort (I felt a
heart-sink there you know!) so the secret behind her smile was revealed to me.
Seventh fact- Sometimes, more than your goal, the journey to
reach it enthralls you. The sandwich had arrived. It was coupled with a salad,
French wedges and ketchup. It was a three layered sandwich with egg and bacon.
Surely, it tasted good, although I must say I have had better. But this was
indeed a storm in the desert for me! So here I was, savouring a much craved for
meal, feeling so happy, content, independent and satisfied. I finished the
sandwich and the sides, and acquainted with the French lady. Madrie was her name
and she thanked me for paying the visit. I appreciated her effort in starting a
business here and took leave (I would otherwise too, right?!). I rode further
through the beach road and this time my smile was even broader for the fact
that a sandwich and the quest for it had filled my desire. The sun had set, the
rain kept pouring, and I kept riding on. The waves sounded so cheerful then.
Gracias!
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