Amazing Postcode Man (Goa)

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(Catherine)

We arrived in Goa 'white chicken', as the hawkers affectionately named us, and will be leaving tomorrow as slightly golden chicken.

We've had a really lovely week sunbathing, eating and drinking. The food is amazing and so cheap - you can live like kings for less than 5 pounds a day!

We've met some really interesting characters here, but my favourite has to be Shibar who we ran in to at a beach front restaurant one evening. He was selling postcards and asked us where we were from. When we said we used to live in Hammersmith he replied "Oh, yes, W6". He then proceeded to recite postcodes form loads of different areas. We tested him with a few tricky ones and he got them all right! We later found out it isn't just London postcodes he knows, it's the whole of the UK! He's even been on John Peel's radio show talking about his talent!

On Monday it was the Feast of St Francis Xavier (Goa's patron saint) so we headed to Old Goa for the festivities on a variety of local buses (an experience in itself!). There were thousands of people there and we were practically the only westerners there so we were treated like minor celebrities - everyone was saying hello to us and some even wanted photos! The feast is a day out for Indians, they dress in their best clothes, shop at the market, picnic and then go to mass. It was really interesting to see what life in Goa is like beyond the beach.

Tomorrow we leave the white sands behind and head back to Mumbai on another overnight train (second class this time - hope it's OK!), then we're on to Jaipur which is known as the 'Plnk City' so I should be right at home!

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Photos

Great Food on the Beach
Now on about curry number ten!

The Famous Shiba
He's never been to the UK but is trying to save enough money to go there.

Cricket
Just before sunset all of the waiters and staff from the beach restaurants play cricket. They are really good at it.

Market
This was actually a quiet part of the market in Old Goa

Father Christmas
This scary santa emerged out of the darkness when we were having dinner. There were also carol singers but they only knew a few of the words.

Sign
This was a sign at the bus stop, I have to say it is much needed!

Comments

[Amy + Matt]

Hello...
Hiya it sounds as if you are having a great time!!! We are really baffled about the postcode man, he has a really great talent!!! Think pink at the "Pink city", we are looking forward to your next chapter!!! Luv Amy + Little Matt!! xx

[Brian & Sue]

Exciting Times
Hi Catherine & Matt, Really enjoying the blogs. I am judging them by the number of "Yuks" from Mom as she reads them. The rat is winning at the moment. Looking forward to the next installment. Love from us both.

[toria]

scary santa
Two entries in and I am lovin' yer blog, sitting here in gale force winds being a tiny bit green with envy. Look at the size of santa's hands in comparison to the rest of him! Will look forward to more entertainment, keep safe and keep the photos coming! xx

[wompman]

shiba man of many talents
i have meet up with Shiba on many visits.he and his family are doing well he never misses a trick to sell you something, nature trip or cooking. etc you forgot to mention that he remembers everyones name and speak lots of languages. any one reading this go to goa it's great.