Finding
shade

For our day one task of the field studies our process was walking as a mapping method through the idea of derive. We were to identify everyday practices of urban life within our given sites. Our Starting point for the walk was the Velankani Church located in Chellanam, Ernakulam which is a thin strip of land between the Arabian sea and the backwaters of Vembanad lake. The first instinct was to head towards the sea, only to encounter an eyesore of a sea wall in the scorching tropical sun. Heading towards the main road looking for some shade, encountered a casting of tetrapods. Walked on the main road still in search of shade. Turned towards a narrow lane which was shaded with casting shadows of the houses and the dense vegetation.
At the backwaters, a man was mending the fishing nets on his boat which was interesting and began a conversation with his wife. Walking a little forward approaching the bridge to cross over the canal, walking along it observing the black soil being extracted from the canal and put on the narrow concrete road. It was fascinating to see these different soils starting from the sea wall to the backwaters. An exercise of collecting the soil imprints on paper helped understand the different wetness and grains of the soil. Every house had a garden, one such house of Mr Joy Kattikattu was attractive because of his intensive practice of gardening. Found a calm open space very close to the backwaters shaded with huge coconut trees and a slightly cool breeze flowing. Took a pause there and headed towards the main road again in search of food. Met the manager of the construction company, and had a conversation with him while walking on the stone embankment. Walked towards the main road again to take a bus.