hy were 10 foreigners bitten by the Nehru Boat Race bug?
Julie Amer, founder of adventure club Mountain High, was instrumental in bringing the 10 women from different nationalities together.
"I am an adventure tourist. And I always wanted to participate in the Kerala boat race," says Amer.
So two months ago, Amer came to Alappuzha and met with the district collectors and local organizers of this unique sporting event, requesting that she and her team be allowed to participate.
"I convinced them it was a great way to connect our respective culture and countries. We have proved that it was a fantastic experience for us and the people in India," she said.
Amer and her companions, thus, landed in Alappuzha two weeks back, picking up the paddle and began an intensive training with other women members at Punnamada Lake.
Travel agent Vikraman says the foreign nationals were determined right from the time they arrived here because they had a few trials and each of them took it with utmost seriousness.
"We are happy that their efforts have paid off and it would be an added impetus for them to return next year," he said.
Will they come back to the backwaters next year for the boat race?
"Yes of course," Amer says. "Next year, we will be here with a full-fledged 33-women team from across the globe. And we will win," she added.
Earlier Slide Show:
Surat's agony
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