Going, Goa, Gone
24 May
Some quick calculations while on the auto-rickshaw from Madgaon to Palolem yesterday afternoon: between April 2005 to June 2006, I have travelled for more than 12 weeks, all in all.
Let me be frank for one moment – I’ve never been too excited by Goa. It was always, _yeah, okay_. It’s got a great culture to soak in, particularly the old buildings and the Portuguese influence – the beaches are nice, though not fantastic. I’m partial to the pristine Thai beaches that take ages to get to, but the opportunity to sleep in a nice beach shack (with attached bathroom, of course) right by the beach, hear the waves crashing while you try to sleep, and to be in a bikini 24 hours a day, is always welcome. Whether it’s Koh Phi Phi or Palolem. Naturally, I’ve been busy working up a tan and gorging myself on seafood (and there’s beef! Roast beef! Here in India! And bacon if I feel like it!), but already working out the details for my next beach holiday.
A stroke of luck happened along the way – the best thing about travelling is the great people and the opportunities which present themselves – and I may be back in India faster than I thought I would be. Without even having to apply for another visa, sort of fast.
*Goa Checklist*
* live in a beach shack in Palolem, the nicest beach in Goa _check_
* eaten fish curry _check_
* drank fenny _check_
* drank port wine _working on it_
* eaten at a restaurant so close by the beach you can dangle your feet out to wash them at high tide _check_
* picked up a nice exotic girl _nope_
