Ouidah road

There is a road along the beach connecting the city of Cotonou to the historic town of Ouidah in Benin. Some pictures.

Life on a sand bank

Cotonou city is built on a sand bank between Lake Nokue on the north and the Atlantic Ocean on the south. A channel that runs through the middle of the city links the lake with the ocean. While the port is the gateway for imported goods to come into Benin, the lake provides livelihood for thousands of fishermen, and the beach has something for everyone.

Seven star football

Dubai is a rich city with a short history. This accounts for the city's insatiable desire to build the biggest and richest structures in the world. Despite the tiring afternoon sun and the dust hanging like a mesh curtain, these young men were busy playing beach football in front of the only seven-star hotel in the world - Burj Al Arab.

Carrying rain inland

When the fury of the South-West Monsoon hits Nattika coast, the otherwise pleasant beach turns into a picture of anger. However, even the menacing sea cannot stop a few young men from enjoying themselves.

Sunset at Nattika beach

We visit this beach in Kerala at least once a year - one visit is mandatory every holidays.

My first vist was in 1985, collecting crabs and starfish during my final year of my Bachelors in Zoology. Fate tied me to the beach more strongly when I married Raji, whose house is two km away from the beach.

Over the years we have seen the profile of Kerala change at this beach. A predominently fishing beach, Varun and I have come to collect shells and crabs and take a walk into the water. As the boats came loaded with fish, we have bought fresh mackarels and sardines. At times we have participated in beach-side fish auctions, buying a mound for Rs 50.

Along with Raji's father Varun and I have walked the length and beyond, up to the point where the minor river joins the sea.
Varun has stopped collecting shells, relegating such childish activities to younger boys and girls.

There are more visitors to the beach in the evenings nowadays. The new Keralites are more mobile, and they reach everywhere. There are more cars parked at the edge of the beach, and the icecream vendor is a new addition.