Ms. Yvonne Gomez is based in Singapore with roots in Kerala. Yes. She is a Keralite by birth, but has been based in Singapore for quite a long time, with an upbringing different from that of Kerala. It was an interesting exercise, trying to elicit her impressions on Kerala. Because, it was neither purely from a foreigner?s point of view nor from a person with the vibes of a Keralite.

Ms. Yvonne is currently a Senior Producer/Presenter with Radio Singapore International?s English service. She is the architect behind RSI?s current affairs programme called Newsline, then 'Connections'a programme, which explores Singapore?s socio-economic and political connections with neighbouring regions and 'Traveller?s Tales?.

Ms. Yvonne?s last visit to Kerala was more than a year ago, and she is still highly impressed by the unique landscape of Kerala. Think of Kerala, and her mind triggers off memorable images of swaying coconut palms and the omnipresent presence of water.

In the backdrop of her previous visits to Kerala, and from a traveller?s point of view, Ms. Yvonne considers Kerala moving in the right path in the field of travel and tourism. But, feels that the State needs to do a little more to catch up with other premium destinations in terms of infrastructure and services. And coming to the people factor, Ms. Yvonne finds Keralites a friendly and obliging lot, with an easy going and laissez-faire attitude. And one thing, among the many other aspects of Kerala that Ms. Yvonne still enjoys whenever she visits Kerala is the ethnic food. And among the lot, her palate for mutton stew and appam for breakfast stands out.

Asking her opinion on the most impressive of locales, Ms. Yvonne?s favourite picks turned out to be Munnar and Thekaddy, where unfortunately she could not spend more time to enjoy fully what it had to offer. She recalls her very nice stay at Lake Palace Hotel on Lake Periyar, especially with a chef-on-demand to make whatever dish she fancied for every meal. Other locales that impressed greatly to her were heritage hotels like Brunton Boatyard in Kochi, Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom and Travancore Heritage in (Kovalam).