On the 60-minute drive to Cochin along an excellent highway, we were struck once again by the lavish bounty that nature has bestowed on this part of the world. It is as though God had given it a blank cheque, signed with the stylized calligraphy of the coconut palm, the kera from which Kerala derives it's name. The ubiquitous coconut.... is the emblem of natures legacy to Kerala. Which the politics of populism and entrenched labor unionism have squandered to the point of bankruptcy. God's many gifts to us have been our undoing said Mr. Joyce, our guide. Nature has given us so much that we feel we need do nothing for ourselves, he added...So what do you do with a place which is a Garden of Eden where no one does much work? Why tourism of course. For aren't tourists the ultimate non - working leisure class? But may be the new Kerala model, based on a JV between the tourists and Tom Cook's own country will hit the jackpot. Tom Cook? Shouldn't that be Thomas Cook? It should that be, but if you are as favored a protégé as Kerala, you are entitled to call him Tom..."
.

Joyce, our charming guide in Cochin throws light on the group. "Among the various sects of Christians in Kerala, the Syrian Christians are the most rooted in local ethos." Even with a Muslim and Christian population of more than 35 per cent, the state is remarkably devoid of social tension. Joyce, a non-practicing Catholic opines. "That is because our Malayalee identity is stronger than our respective religious identities." Religious tolerance is one of the key reasons for the state's success…
Notes Joyce Monsoon is the sea-sun of rejuvenation. Because of the heavy rains, people down the ages looked upon this period as off-season. They took a break from their routine lives and relaxed in their homes tending to their
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23.1.98 To whom it may concern
In December 1997, I travelled to India on an Inspirations Holiday and took South India Explorer trip from 25th December
- 1st January, travelling from Banglore to Cochin. There were 12 of us in all on the tour and we got to know to each other well on the trip, travelling as we did, in our little bus together.

I think it is true to say that none of us would have experienced southern India in the way we did if it had not been for the fact we were lucky enough to have had Mr. Joyce as our guide. He was a walking encyclopedia on India, gave us just the right amount of information as we travelled to keep our interest going, answered our endless questions with infinite patience and generally gave us far more that any of us would have expected on such a trip. He indeed an excellent tout leader ,and as a university lecturer in teaching English to foreigners, I would like to say that his command of the English language is very impressive.

Anyone who is lucky enough to have Mr. Joyce as a guide will quickly realise that this is a talented man.

Wendy A Scott.

Dear Joyce London 24th September 2001

Hello! How are you? Hope you are fine and in best of spirits.

Now that I have safely returned back home to the U.K. I would like to thank you most sincerely for all the hard work you have put into making our visit to India so enjoyable and educational. I would also like to add that the trip was very successful because of your knowledge and professionalism.

For your vast knowledge I have certainly learnt a great deal during the 9 days visit and hope to put this knowledge to good use in sending our clients to Kerala.

Thank you once again for most interesting visit to India and look forward to an opportunity working with you in the near future.

With kindest regards, Amelia
.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
This is to certify that Mr.V.X.Joyce, Tour Guide of Excel India Tours took the undersigned and Shri Rajendra Bhanawat, Director Tourism [Rajasthan] on a tour of old Cochin City on September 21st, 2002. Mr. V.X. Joyce not only showed us important and historical sites but also explained in detail the background of these tourist attractions. He has an excellent knowledge of all these sites and is fully acquainted with their history. It was a pleasure to tour the old City of Cochin in his company.
[ M. Aharaf IAS Director Gerneral Tourism
Dated 9th October, 2002

4.

I recently employed the services of V.X.Joyce and found the following to be true-

English Good
Knowledge of Indian History Excellent
Knowledge of Local Environment Good

Special Knowledge of Local Customs Excellent
Punctuality Excellent
Politeness Good
Program planning Good
Rates Charged Reasonable
I Dr. Stein a German national would have no hesitation in recommending this young man as Tour Guide in India.
Yours faithfully,
Dr.E.Stein.M.D

5.

The Ambassador Date-March 5, 2003
Mr. V.X Joyce, Excel India Tours, Door No. 10/130, Nettoor, Cochin -682304., Kerala.
Dear Mr. Joyce,
It gives me great pleasure to express my high appreciation and thanks to you, which has shown a high sense of professionalism and responsiveness during my visit to Cochin, which made my travel very pleasant.

As I renew my thanks I look forward to meeting you again.
With my best wishes to you and four family too.

Yours Sincerely,
DR.KHEIR ELDIN A. LATIF
AMBASSADOR OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC IOF EGYPT
1/50 M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110 021, India.
Ph.91-11-26114096-11-26114097 Fax. 91-11-26885355.

Dated 13th June 2003
Dear Mr. Alkesh Kumar Sharma,
Director [Kerala Tourism]
I must convey my grateful thanks to you for your kind hospitality in excellent resort and an A/C transport all along that made our stay memorable & very comfortable in Kerala - unique destination… I have to thank you further making available constantly the guide Mr. V.X. Joyce whose invariable punctual presence and immensely detailed knowledge of Kerala was very useful. He is a real guide with leasing manners and an asset to your department.
Words really can't match your impeccable arrangements.
With very best wishes and kind regards,
Yours faithfully,
S. Paul
[Director]

Dear Joyce:
Following is a testimonial for you to use on your web site if you wish. Also I have attached some images from the shoot you may use if you wish...best to you and Jiji:
'We at Robert Golden pictures wish to thank you for your wonderful work in helping us to make our documentary episode in Kerala. Your research, guidance and organisational abilities allowed us to use as much time as possible shooting and the least amount of time in meetings, discussions and travelling. This was a wonderful contribution in helping us to make one of the best episodes of all the thirteen we shot around the world. Further, your kindness with our crew and with the people we encountered helped to create a positive environment for all of us to work in and created open access to people who otherwise may have been reluctant. Finally your excellent negotiations and helpfulness allowed us to perform to the maximum inside our budget requirements.
We can only recommend you to anyone who wishes to work or travel in the areas you operate in.'
Yours
Robert Golden
Tina Ellen Lee

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