Trivandrum with John (8/11/23)

I started my morning with yoga.  My instructor came to my home at 9:00 and I had a yoga session while John was still sleeping.  Shaji picked us up around 11:30.  He took us to the Napier Museum.

This museum is in a beautiful old building and has many artifacts and statues of Hindu gods and goddesses.  The building was a royal structure designed with Kerala architecture.  The foundation was laid in 1873 and the museum was opened in 1880.

I wanted to see inside the building as much as I wanted to see the artifacts inside.

This is the ceiling of the building.  It's beautiful and very tall in the middle.

The artifacts were bronze statues, ivory carvings, ancient coins, some royal collectables, swords, even some Japanese shadow play and burial urns.

Some of the ancient images of the deities were created in the 8th century.  


I really liked the royal vanity.  

Just imagine the king's wife getting ready everyday in front of that with her jewelry and make-up.



John and I went to another gallery to see some of the last King of Travancore's belongings and some artwork. 

John is standing next to the king's chair and behind him is the golden chariot that was used for many kings including the last in the 1950's. 

Then Shaji took us to the Villa Maya restaurant.  It is very famous for its food and setting.  It's an old palace with a beautiful outdoor dining area.  We have chosen to sit in the air-conditioned area both times that I have been. I keep thinking we will come back one evening and sit outside.

John had a coconut prawn curry that was cooked in the coconut.  He loved his meal!  It was great!

I had a chicken meal that was delicious too.



John and I are standing outside of the Villa Maya palace.

Here is a picture of the palace.  We have only been able to see downstairs and I am not sure what is upstairs.

The fountain in front is beautiful.

John is standing next to a statue right outside of the Villa Maya.



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