Mr.Gilles

It was a dream that Mr. Gilles de la Buharaye from Avignon, a province in Southern France was cherishing for the past twenty years. And the dream was to visit India, and especially Kerala, which he had heard a lot from his fellow Frenchmen, who after their visit to Kerala told him about its unique culture, music and food.

This genial composer cum sculptor from France is very much delighted with his first visit to Kerala. Sharing his thoughts on Kerala, Mr. Gilles and his companion Ms. Nathalie who is also from France, began by expressing their delight in finding so many good natured and helpful people during their stay in Kerala. Be it Trivandrum, Alleppey or Kochi they were treated very well, says Mr.Gilles. They were pretty amazed at the level of information technology awareness in Kerala. 

It was, indeed, a cultural shock for Mr.Gilles and his friend Ms. Nathalie when they arrived in Kerala. Though visually challenged, Mr.Gilles enjoyed his trip to Kerala through his companion Ms. Nathalie. He himself found his own way of enjoyment by talking to different sections of people, especially on the subject of music. Mr.Gilles is very much fond of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. Basically a pianist, Mr.Gilles also enjoys playing the Indian string instrument 'Tamburu'.

According to Mr.Gilles and his friend, they were very much impressed by the renowned beach at Kovalam and enjoyed the houseboat cruise in Alleppey with the entire houseboat left to them. The visits made to some temples in Kerala gave Mr.Gilles and his friend an opportunity to experience the sanctified ambiance prevailing in the temples, and at one or two places they fully indulged in the festivities going on there. 

The couple during their stay in Kochi, tried few ethnic dishes at a local restaurant, and they recall the combination of Rice with Coconut and Fish Curry as something really special. Even though a bit spicy for first timers, especially those from Europe, they enjoyed it with a little bit of sweet.

Mr. Gilles is of the opinion that the best way to enjoy Kerala is by adapting and using those facilities used by the common man like buses and trains for transportation, and trying out different classes of hotels for accommodation and food. 

Since being a musician Mr. Gilles was delighted to hear from us about the Nishagandhi Dance and Music festival in April, but soon felt sorry since he cannot wait that long in Kerala. But he is eagerly looking forward to his next visit to Kerala, when he will visit Bangalore to stage a piano concert in January next year…and if possible to give his first concert in God's Own Country during that time.