What do you think a small sleep town like Manapad in coastal Tamil Nadu would have for me - a dreamy stamp collector. Well from the time I got married, my husband and I were planning to visit this sleepy hollow. Over the years I only heard the wonderful stories of this place set back in time and how Navin (my hubby) and his family spent their holidays there. Being a family hometown and me being the new addition to the family it was my right and duty to make a visit.
We would always plan to travel there but somehow something would come up and we would have to cancel. Finally in May 2013 we planned another trip which became a reality. Travelling to Manapad is an experience in itself. We would have to take a train and then a 2 hour bus to reach the sleepy coastal paradise.
Finally reaching there the first thing we did was hit the beach. Pristine and isolated, heavenly if you ask me as there is not a soul in sight and you feel like you are on your own private island. We spent a good 5 days there visiting ancestral family home, 500 year old churches, the cave which also St. Francis Xavier lived in when he first came ashore to India. Full of history.
The day before we could leave Navin's aunt mentioned that there were some old book and other things belonging to his grand father. We decided to go and have a look. Again, fate, destiny, what ever you want to call it. Rummaging though all these old boxes and lofts I find literally 5000 stamps. Most of them doubles but in mint condition all sorted and kept in neatly labeled covers.
Navin's grand father Britto Miranda was a very organised and through philately enthusiast. Very well known in his circle of pen pals and very organised. I felt that what I took back in dusty boxes was just meant for me. Waiting to be found.
Below is a picture of the family home and Mr. & Mrs. Britto Miranda.
We would always plan to travel there but somehow something would come up and we would have to cancel. Finally in May 2013 we planned another trip which became a reality. Travelling to Manapad is an experience in itself. We would have to take a train and then a 2 hour bus to reach the sleepy coastal paradise.
Finally reaching there the first thing we did was hit the beach. Pristine and isolated, heavenly if you ask me as there is not a soul in sight and you feel like you are on your own private island. We spent a good 5 days there visiting ancestral family home, 500 year old churches, the cave which also St. Francis Xavier lived in when he first came ashore to India. Full of history.
The day before we could leave Navin's aunt mentioned that there were some old book and other things belonging to his grand father. We decided to go and have a look. Again, fate, destiny, what ever you want to call it. Rummaging though all these old boxes and lofts I find literally 5000 stamps. Most of them doubles but in mint condition all sorted and kept in neatly labeled covers.
Navin's grand father Britto Miranda was a very organised and through philately enthusiast. Very well known in his circle of pen pals and very organised. I felt that what I took back in dusty boxes was just meant for me. Waiting to be found.
Below is a picture of the family home and Mr. & Mrs. Britto Miranda.
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