How many men does it take to move a coconut tree? Well we’ve done it a few times and it can be as many as 25!
Now, with Ashwem Beach closed and the monsoon looming, there’s a window of opportunity for planting, replanting and transplanting. Moving this particular tree was like moving Stonehenge. All nearby able-bodied men jumped in, and with some rope, brute force and tree trunk rollers, the coconut palm was moved all of 50 metres to a new spot.
See pic below: credit must be given here to Lakhan, our night manager, for being the man holding the rope (all by himself!!). It could be a smart move on his behalf though, would you want to be at the other end of that picture if he let go?!
Two years ago we gave our domes grass roofs and then last year we completed the look with a very fetching grass hat ventilation system. This off-season it’s cottage 03′s turn as the weight of falling tree litter, some playful squirrels and old age has meant that a new roof was called for.
Many of the tiles were reusable but we subscribe to the ‘if a job’s worth doing it’s worth doing well’ philosophy, so the entire roof will be replaced. And how many men did that take? Actually, just 3.
Something occurred to me whilst looking at this photo of cottage 03: when taking photos in India the light and colour can be so amazing that no matter what you point the camera at you get a beautiful shot.
