Trip to Goa!!

Goa is like another world. Everyone’s in this super chilled out mood… a natural bonhomie in the air. It seems to come from more people just being that bit more themselves, like a window away from reality and that’s what renders itself to a genuinely fun atmosphere. The well known…… 'what happens in Goa stays in Goa' kinds.

We stayed at this place called Raman (pronounced Ramon) Cottages on Calangute Beach, a quaintish and quiet property, pretty much on the beach . And we picked Calangute as we wanted a proper Goan experience rather than a serene beach experience, and we got loads of that :)

Aunt and Mom as we got to Raman Cottages

They have a bunch of super friendly staff, and that’s a critical part of a nice holiday in Goa as you tend to spend a lot of time on the property itself. We had Manoj, the all round guy there, great cook, who also alternated as masseur ( I got a brilliant foot reflexology from him). Then there was Maity, a fit, honest and frank fellow full of little tidbits of interesting fundas on life.

Manoj and Maity in their kitchen

Mom, totally inspired by the special jadoos for sand :)

More inspiration from Sandy...a tattoo artist !

It was four days of awe inspiring sunsets, long walks, good food, streetside shopping, wine and music. 

I heard ma sing after a really long time and among the songs were; yeh raate, yeh mausam, nadi kaa kinara and suhaani raat dal chukhi...and one super cute telugu jaana padha geetaalu.......sure set the mood for a melodious night.

Beach side ware for sale.....
She was pretty as a painting I thought !

Very pretty stuff from Tibet

In terms of sightseeing, we did a visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, or Borea Jezuchi Bajilika in Portuguese, which has the mortal relics of St Xavier. It's more than 400 years old and can be visited any day of the year while the body itself is open to public viewing once every ten years with the last one having happened this January. This world heritage monument has emerged as a landmark in the  history of Christianity in the country. 

Basilica of Bom Jesus

                                                     

Fort Aguada Jail

Then it was a boat ride to see dolphins…we got to see a few tail fins and a few humps but the general excitement seems to get to everyone. Overall nice fun.

I did a lot of Jiddu Krishnamurthy there. His writing is so abstract, complex and I must say convoluted, that I can read a whole book and if asked what it’s about I’d basically have a couple of things to say. Guess that’s what philosophy is all about. But then I enjoyed reading him and I’d like to believe that there’s a couple of notches better understanding of things. :)

The Sea, the sunset and JK was nice !

This was a really special trip because it was with my mom and aunt, who are very dear to me. Considering seeing goa was a long standing desire for both of them and it was on the cards for over an year now, and to think we actually did it against all the odds...... it’s a different level of satisfaction in itself, and it enabled a deep down nice feeling. Thanks, both of you ! 

The girls at Goa !