This was my first visit to see the biennale. Firstly, I was impressed with the new solar-powered International Airport at Kochi, it was an engineering and architectural achievement. The next thing you see it that outside the airport all the men who were waiting were mostly drivers in crisp white shirts and 'mundus'. They spoke impeccable english in a South-Indian accent, while taking us to our homestay in Fort Kochi - the heritage part of town and the heart of the biennale.
Once we were on the road, you can't help but notice an almost wild, rustic greenery that descends onto every part of Kochi. While getting into Fort Kochi, we went through small lanes, the by-lanes are even narrower preventing too many vehicles from getting in. The warehouses are close to each other and are all wooden, with rickety stairs, large windows and overwhelming doors - that lead to more doors. Every venue of the biennale that had art, had old rusty hinges, peeling paint, moss covered tiles and musty walls; they owe this grunge look to the humid, salty sea breeze blowing on Kochi's backwaters.