"Mapsa Mapsa Mapsa Mapsa Mapsa Mapsa Mapsa"

---

---

Yesterday Sarah and I left very early in the morning to catch the bus to Anjuna to attend the Wednesday market. It took us about two hours on a very packed and very nauseating old bus making one connection on Mapusa (pronounced Mapsa). We met up with some friends we had made in Arambol and had a great day searching for treasures. The entire market was abuzz with excitement about a particular party that was happening that evening in a place called Baga, not far from Anjuna. Sarah and I were intruiged, but smelly and weary when we were told the party would be going until dawn. However, our good friend PJ Polo talked us into it. We took a taxi back to Panaji, got as dolled up as our backpacker wardrobes would allow and made our way to Club Cubana.

Our taxi hurdled through the cool evening and 30 minutes into the ride, we suddenly came to a stop. 50 taxis lined the narrow road before us, all containing travellers, and, with great anticipation, we slowly wound our way UP. Club Cubana is located at the top of a mountain. It consists of terraced levels, built into the hillside. Outdoor four-poster beds wrapped in billowing muslin contain lounging, happy people. Music blares, lights flash and bats flap overhead. The entire scene was something out of a dream. Imagine the most luxurious, exotic mansion and multiply it by ten. This is Club Cubana. And if that wasn't already good enough for you, entrance for women was entirely free. And I will say with a wink that it was also a "buffet style" bar, all you can "eat". Whatever you wanted to eat was free all night long.

We danced, we laughed, we had a great time and met many cool people and finally, exhausted, we hopped into a taxi and drove home to Panaji as the sun came up over Goa.

We did not rise early today. The day was a write off save for the visit to the spa that I have just returned from. I'm typing with freshly manicured nails and glowing skin. The prices were so low that Sarah and I could not help but indulge ourselves. These past two days have been a vacation away from the real India. We may have needed a breather but I can't help but feel a bit guilty. Tomorrow we are helping out at a Children's shelter and on Monday we take a 24 hour train down to the southern most tip of India. Back to reality!
xoxo Carlie

---

Comments

[A. Karen]

Keep the pictures coming. Don't feel guilty about going to the spa as it is all part of the experience. I should feel guilty because the market looks like a shoppers paradise, and I spent at least 15 minutes looking through all the items, and was going to send you a list of my favourites. I particularly liked the little boxes. Was that a hint?? Bad Auntie. Your participation at the Children's shelter should be enlightening. U. Adrian sends a big HELLO. Take care. Love A. Karen

[PJ Polo]

you've been blogrolled baby
You are now officially on my blogroll. Congrats. You are one of two now to make this achievement. Of course you can always link me too ;) PJ