After enjoying the tranquility of Varkala and craziness of Kanyakumari, I was really looking forward to Fort Kochi. The Jesuit Fathers in Kolkata had recommended I go to Kochi for Christmas since there is a predominant Christian population who live there, and I would be able to enjoy the festivities. Having to take a ferry to this peninsular town, I found Kochi to be fairly laid-back and easy to make friends here from the hostel I was staying in. Midnight Mass at the Santa Cruz Basilica was packed. I felt very much at home and enjoyed the company of other backpackers I met from Australia and Sweden.