Things happen every day in every way, and one of the ways is in Kerala, south west India. That is where somewhere between 4.30 - 5am (6.30 - 7am Jakarta time tomorrow) myself (Pete), Rahul and Dez will awake from sleep with a feeling in our bellies marking the realisation that the wildest plans can actually come fruition. It will be a golden moment for all of us to remember for the rest of our lives.
The dream is for Pete to run ½ a marathon, everyday, for a month, through Kerala. His two companions will provide logistical support and document the enterprise.
And what's this got to do with Jakartass? Well, first off, Rahul Noble Singh is an anthropologist and travel writer from London, where he is a very good friend of Son Number One.
Secondly, just over 20 years ago I spent six months in India and Kerala was where I stopped. Yep, after the constant stimuli of Indian travel, this state provided space to observe rather than react, a mental oasis. I explored Fort Cochin, gained weight at Kovalam beach, lived with elephants, snapping turtles and vicious spiders (really!) in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and slowly meandered through the incredibly photogenic Kerala backwaters whose tracks Pete will run through.
Then it was all part of the backpackers' banana pancake circuit. Now Kerala is on the international tourist route, but I suspect that Pete and his companions will feel more in tune with their surroundings than the annual exotica seekers. Just don't go too fast guys.
For the next month you can follow them through their website and blog.
(Is that a good enough plug, Son?)
