Blogs from Palolem, Goa, India, Asia - page 26

We left the fishy fresh air and laid back life of Fort Cochin on Nov.2nd and Tara and Lindsay headed south, Goa bound. Paul stayed behind to explore the spice and tea plantations of South India, planning to head back through Mysore and then meet up with us in Goa. Travel wasn't as simple as it sounds. Due to a combination of Diwali (the Hindu Festival of Lights that marks the victory of good over the evil) and school holidays, all trains were booked solid for days. After spending some time denying this fact and then a little more time trying to charm, bribe and lie our way onto any train heading south, we conceded to the reality that we were taking the bus. Because of the day we had lost trying to book a train ... read more

Hello I can't believe that I'm in India! Feeling very lucky to have the opportunity to come here. Claire & I arrived in Mumbai on Friday morning and immediatly felt welcomed by India, the people are so friendly, the colours so vibrant, India has a great vibe! We took our flight to Goa and 1.5 hrs south of the airport is the most beautiful place on earth- Palolem Beach. The car ride was very green and hilly. We arrived at our accomodation- which was eco- friendly wooden lodges called Bhakti Kutar, very simply construced from wood and straw, with 'interesting' bathroom facilities - a traditional squat toilet and shower made up of a container with a copper jug, which was (of course) cold water! But totally all that is needed when the surroundings are so wonderful. ... read more

Hello! Well, it's official - Palolem is definitely the party place in Goa. There's something going on every night, and everyone is very friendly and up for a good time! We've gone out to a pub called Cafe Del Mar for three nights, and it's been extremely social- meeting all kinds of people from around the world. I love the fact that sunshine has such a positive effect on people, and everyone is loving life! I spent the day after doing the Goan Advertisement Ad just shopping and enjoying the small town, since my body was too red to face the sun. That evening we went out and had a bit of a dance at the pub. I met a Canadian guy - Sean- who had been cycling from China to Pakistan with a few friends. ... read more

Today my trip is more positive once more. Well...at least some aspects of it. At least I'm not moaning and groaning due to the attack of killer bacteria. Now they seem to have left me, and I'm at peace with my stomach once more! Today was the dreaded day...Jamie's Departure. Da-da-da-daaaa....Mona, all alone in the big bad world once again! We stayed in our luxury poolside room for one more night in Colva - even had a nice swim in the morning! Then we got our pictures saved onto a CD, and after lunch, Jamie had to jump into a taxi - actually, he jumped onto the back of a motorbike taxi which gave him a half-price fare to the airport! Earlier in the week, I had decided I would head down to a touristy resort ... read more

We found that to enjoy Goa you have to be selective which area you visit. The first resort - Colva - we didn't really like that much. It was a bit like a shit package holiday resort without the facilities. The next resort - Palolem - was lovely. In the guide book it said a true paradise lost, we'd agree. Palm lined beaches, Goan fisherman hauling in nets early in the morning, very idilic. We also met some nice people there (hello nice people), who made the stay even more pleasant. A last comment about Goa - the best food we've had in India. For a start you can eat cows, and boy they did taste good (sorry Hindus). The portions are good. And the best restaurant - Smugglers Inn - some of the food surpasses ... read more