The Hambletons of Nottinghamshire didn't have to think twice about where to holiday for Christmas this year. It was all decided three years back, when they first set foot on Kerala - and fell in love with the place. Since then, come Christmas, they just hop on to a plane and fly straight down here.
Steve, chairman of a charitable organization for the blind and Vera Hambleton, who runs a guesthouse, talk of their love affair with Kerala.

What is it about Kerala that makes you want to come back every year?

The people.  There are other places in the world with coconut palms, beautiful beaches and all but here the people have a certain genuineness that make the place very special.  In most other places, people spend time with you to make as much money out of you as they can.

How did you decide on Kerala the first time?

We saw it on the brochures of one of the top tour companies in Britain and just decided to give it a try. We just fell in love with the place and have been coming back ever since.

Why do you prefer to ring in the New Year here every year than in England where it is celebrated in a much bigger way?

It definitely is a much more grand affair there but when the guesthouse is closed for its annual ten-day holiday, we prefer to come here where it is quieter. The young people may miss not having the nightlife but for people like us who are above 40, it is perfect.

What about Kerala as a destination for the world and the changes you have seen in the last three years?

I think things are getting better. In terms of promotion, there has been definite improvement in the last twelve months. Now more people are getting to know about Kerala and a lot of people mail us with inquiries. As for the conditions here, things are getting better. Our tours are all very well arranged.
Last time we'd gone on a really nice Kettuvallam ride from Alleppey to Cochin. People, especially, around where we stay at Kovalam, are opening up more to foreigners. The roads are getting better and in general, things are getting better.
And as for us, we're surely going to spend many more Christmases and New Years right here.