We've Arrived

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Hello from India,

Today we finally arrived in Goa, after an 8 1/2 hour flight, numerous rickety taxis, and a 15-hour overnight train ride. It's a relief to reach Palolem beach, possibly the most laid back place either of us have ever been to!

The flight, though long, was ok, as we had our own entertainment system, with games, films and tv on demand, including Friends and Jonathon Creek! Once we arrived in Mumbai we took a taxi to the train station, which took an hour. After leaving our luggage in the cloakroom we headed out to the blistering heat of the streets of Mumbai. The streets were very busy and noisy. Outside the station there were many beggars and persistent taxi drivers offering us tours around the sights. We however, headed towards Marine Drive, where the streets were wider, the people richer and fewer.

Immensely hot and tired we stumbled into the air conditioned heaven that was Pizza Express, where we dined in luxury.

After a further walk around the bay we sat in Zodiac garden, where we were enthusiastically greeted by a group of children who seemed content to say hello, then stare intently at us. Chloe attempted conversation using the lonely planet's pictures of Mumbai, which sparked some, mildly confused, reaction. Jesse could barely manage a "hello" without collapsing, asleep.

After eating again we got a taxi to the train station, where we arrived three hours early for our pre-booked train, a wait that was increased to an almost unbearable level by the three hour delay of said train. This was made particularly bad by the lack of comfort provided by the hard floor of the station.

Eventually, with the help of our porters, we boarded the train. There were six bunks in our section, which we set up. Jesse soon fell asleep, and snored, it was also in sync with the man on the bunk opposite, other people were snoring too, and so a kind of snore orchestra was created, which Chloe could not block out despite covering her ears and hiding under the sheet! Eventually though, she got a bit of sleep. The rest of the journey went by in a little more comfort, as the family sharing our carriage got off at a stop early.

From madgaon station we caught another taxi, to Palolem. The scenes outside the taxi window of relaxed countryside life, were a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. The taxi drew up right outside the beach: a beautiful, sandy crescent, swept with lines of palm trees and bamboo huts. One of which we are now staying in. 'Hut' doesn't really do it justice, considering its got brick walls, a sturdy roof, and a private bathroom, with a toillet that flushes, hurrah! Dumping our bags we ran for the sea, soo refreshing after all the travelling, AND chloe's couragous removal of a frog from the toilet (while Jesse whimpered in the corner shouting directions)-(note from Jesse, I actually did do this and yes I am a coward, its hereditary). As the sun was setting we dragged ourselves out of the warm- yet incredible refreshing sea- to have a much need shower!

We ate in another pizzerria, but did at least have naan bread, the pizza was delicious, cooked in an open wood burning stove. We watched the chefs sort out a pile of freshly caught fish and lobster and gently coax an errant cow out of the restaurant.

We are having a great time here so plan to stay in Goa for about six days, as it'll be hard to drag ourselves away, but prices go up at the start of November as it gets to be high-season.

All the best wishes to all our humble readers, have fun in grey and rainy England!
Love

Chloe and Jesse
xxx

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Comments

[Liam Taylor]

What a wussy...
It's a frog, Jesse, a frog. What are you going to do when you find a bloody scorpion...

[John]

First ever blod
This is my first time. I suppose Liam picked up the scorpion single handed. Happy birthday Jesse