Fri 11/02/2011
Taxi arrived at 5-00am to take us to M/chester airport, picking up wifes sister and her husband en-route, as we sat waiting for them to load luggage.....DISASTER.....I realised i had left my H/T wristbands at home. Other 3 didn't want to turn round and go back for them,so off we went to the airport minus the wristbands...Sorry Vanlaywan.
We arrived at the check in desk in good time infact first in queue, once opened we sailed through,also no probs at security check.
We were settled in the pre-booked lounge by 6-30am, a few morsels, and a couple drinks later we were on our way to boarding gate for our 8-55am Qatar flight to Doha. After a 7hr uneventful flight, mainly watching route map on the seat back t.v. we touched down in Doha. We had a quick look round the duty free shop, brother inlaw stocking up on his ciggy's.Next thing we know we are being called for our connecting flight to Goa,Another smooth flight, arriving in Goa at 3-30am. No trouble getting through immigration,in fact we was outside at taxi stand in just over 1hr. Booked 1 taxi for the 4 of us, with the sights, smells, and sounds just as we remembered them from 2009.
Unfortunnatly the taxi driver informed us when we arrived in Candolim that he didn't know where the Santana was...nor did we. I remembered reading somewhere that it was not far from the Kingfisher villa so he headed for there, and luckily the sister inlaw spotted a sign pointing to the Santana we drove down the side lane until we reached entry gate it was now around 6-30am. and was allowed entry after explaining to security guard that we was booked in for 3 weeks.Not supposed to check in until 12noon on day of arrival, but the very kind guy on reception summoned someone, and had them clean a room for us right away 1 room was ready for
8-00am, the other was ready for 11-00am ( A big plus for Hotel and staff for that)After helping brother/sister inlaw to move in to thier room, we showered and changed ready for our 3 weeks in the sun.......To be cont.
Sounds like the start to a great holiday..looking forward to the next installment 
Sat 12/02/2011
Around 12-00 noon we decided to walk up main road towards Newtons passing Stonehouse, Bomra's, Cecelia's, and quite a few more that i had, had the pleasure reading about on H/T. We walked down the road passed the Carvery down to the beach. The 4 of us amazed at the number of shacks lining the beach, as the last time we was in Goa there was trouble with licences,and the shacks were few and far between, As we strolled down beach we began being followed by a pack of a dozen or more dogs, some coming up sniffing the bags we were carrying,it became a little worrying when one or two started snapping at each other around our legs, even when we walk higher up the beach towards shacks they followed, and kept with us untill we reached Ganesh's shack, where we stopped for a very refreshing kingfisher. Returned to hotel and slept for a couple of hours before showering and getting ready for the evening.We again walked up passed Newtons down beach road to J29s sport bar that we had noticed earlier in the day, and watched Unted beat City with the best goal of the season...... Mike if you have a few million to spare you could do with Rooney in that form for your team..... After match went to Jazz Corner for meal, all enjoyed our meals, sister inlaw giving her chicken dupiazi (excuse spelling) 10/10. Some sort of Indian dancer was on, but didn't see much as i was sat with my back to her.Finished the night offf in Bending Bamboo the place was packed, as it was when we went there a couple of times in 2009. About 12ish we jumped into a taxi to take us back to hotel, straight back to room and bed....To be Cont.
Around 12-00 noon we decided to walk up main road towards Newtons passing Stonehouse, Bomra's, Cecelia's, and quite a few more that i had, had the pleasure reading about on H/T. We walked down the road passed the Carvery down to the beach. The 4 of us amazed at the number of shacks lining the beach, as the last time we was in Goa there was trouble with licences,and the shacks were few and far between, As we strolled down beach we began being followed by a pack of a dozen or more dogs, some coming up sniffing the bags we were carrying,it became a little worrying when one or two started snapping at each other around our legs, even when we walk higher up the beach towards shacks they followed, and kept with us untill we reached Ganesh's shack, where we stopped for a very refreshing kingfisher. Returned to hotel and slept for a couple of hours before showering and getting ready for the evening.We again walked up passed Newtons down beach road to J29s sport bar that we had noticed earlier in the day, and watched Unted beat City with the best goal of the season...... Mike if you have a few million to spare you could do with Rooney in that form for your team..... After match went to Jazz Corner for meal, all enjoyed our meals, sister inlaw giving her chicken dupiazi (excuse spelling) 10/10. Some sort of Indian dancer was on, but didn't see much as i was sat with my back to her.Finished the night offf in Bending Bamboo the place was packed, as it was when we went there a couple of times in 2009. About 12ish we jumped into a taxi to take us back to hotel, straight back to room and bed....To be Cont.
Sun 13/02/2012
After breakfast we walked along the beach to the Dolphin shack Calangute, a good hours walk, we intended saying hello to the lads who had looked after us so well in 2009, but the place was empty just one of the brothers who i think own the place was there, he informed us that none of the lads were working there any longer. We had a couple of beers and a bite to eat then made our way back to the Santana for a quick nap before getting ready to go for a meal. We went to Cecelia's, and had a super meal, all having the fillet steak with chips and veg,2 well done 2 medium, and they were cooked to perfection, washed down with 3 large kingfisher's 1200 rs,
After the meal other 3 went into Ruffles while I went a little further up the road to retrieve some cash from the A.T.M. only to find it empty tried the one across the road with the same result, was told by the security man that they would be filled Monday at 10-00am
So back to Ruffles to listen to some woman or other murdering Hey Big Spender on the karioki. Walked back to Santana calling in the Stonehouse for our last drink......Home....Bed.
After breakfast we walked along the beach to the Dolphin shack Calangute, a good hours walk, we intended saying hello to the lads who had looked after us so well in 2009, but the place was empty just one of the brothers who i think own the place was there, he informed us that none of the lads were working there any longer. We had a couple of beers and a bite to eat then made our way back to the Santana for a quick nap before getting ready to go for a meal. We went to Cecelia's, and had a super meal, all having the fillet steak with chips and veg,2 well done 2 medium, and they were cooked to perfection, washed down with 3 large kingfisher's 1200 rs,
After the meal other 3 went into Ruffles while I went a little further up the road to retrieve some cash from the A.T.M. only to find it empty tried the one across the road with the same result, was told by the security man that they would be filled Monday at 10-00am
So back to Ruffles to listen to some woman or other murdering Hey Big Spender on the karioki. Walked back to Santana calling in the Stonehouse for our last drink......Home....Bed.
Mon 14/2/2011
Woke this morning with a sore head, and empty wallet, not to worry 10-00 the man said,We decided to go to Ganesh's for the day,and from there I went back 3 times, to A.T.M. machine before finally getting some Rs at 12-30pm. The shack was quite busy when I returned, and Ganesh was having a bit of aggro with 6 Russian's who were using his beds, but drinking beer and spirits bought elsewhere. So after a few choice words they upped and went a little way up beach, and took over 6 beds in another shack.
Apparently this had happened on a few occasions. with the same people each time.Around 5-00 we made our way back to hotel showered and changed, then took a taxi up to Calangute for the night. We called in the re-vamped public bar,now with its own toilets (of a sort) watching the world go by, and the very many near misses on the main road,(Anybody who drives in Goa must be mental)The Vravundaven was our choice for meal 3 butter chicken's and a vindaloo, 4 big bottles of beer just over 1000rs, Again we all enjoyed meal, After meal called in at the Myra Hotel to say hello to Santos the bar man who was there in 2009 when we stayed there. After the Myra we went down to Molly Malones, the place was absolutely dead with just 2 people stood at the bar, and us four, resulting in the entertainment (Deal or no deal) being cancelled. To late to go anywhere else so....Taxi...Home .....Bed
Tues 15/2/2011
Day at Ganesh,s just me and O/H as the sister inlaw had gone down with stomach cramps, and trots confining her to the room for the day/night.An uneventful day at Ganesh,s after yesterday,s spot of bother.Back to hotel for 5-00. 3 of us decided on the Stonehouse for our evening meal, sis inlaw still confined to room blaming it on the previous night,s butter chicken but myself and O/H was o/k so I don.t think it was. Must say we was all very disappointed with the meals, and service, at the Stonehouse, we was also all bitten to hell. After meal brother inlaw went back to hotel me an wife went for acouple of drinks in Patrick,s before finishing the night off at Bending Bamboo. 12ish.... Taxi....Home....Bed
Woke this morning with a sore head, and empty wallet, not to worry 10-00 the man said,We decided to go to Ganesh's for the day,and from there I went back 3 times, to A.T.M. machine before finally getting some Rs at 12-30pm. The shack was quite busy when I returned, and Ganesh was having a bit of aggro with 6 Russian's who were using his beds, but drinking beer and spirits bought elsewhere. So after a few choice words they upped and went a little way up beach, and took over 6 beds in another shack.
Apparently this had happened on a few occasions. with the same people each time.Around 5-00 we made our way back to hotel showered and changed, then took a taxi up to Calangute for the night. We called in the re-vamped public bar,now with its own toilets (of a sort) watching the world go by, and the very many near misses on the main road,(Anybody who drives in Goa must be mental)The Vravundaven was our choice for meal 3 butter chicken's and a vindaloo, 4 big bottles of beer just over 1000rs, Again we all enjoyed meal, After meal called in at the Myra Hotel to say hello to Santos the bar man who was there in 2009 when we stayed there. After the Myra we went down to Molly Malones, the place was absolutely dead with just 2 people stood at the bar, and us four, resulting in the entertainment (Deal or no deal) being cancelled. To late to go anywhere else so....Taxi...Home .....Bed
Tues 15/2/2011
Day at Ganesh,s just me and O/H as the sister inlaw had gone down with stomach cramps, and trots confining her to the room for the day/night.An uneventful day at Ganesh,s after yesterday,s spot of bother.Back to hotel for 5-00. 3 of us decided on the Stonehouse for our evening meal, sis inlaw still confined to room blaming it on the previous night,s butter chicken but myself and O/H was o/k so I don.t think it was. Must say we was all very disappointed with the meals, and service, at the Stonehouse, we was also all bitten to hell. After meal brother inlaw went back to hotel me an wife went for acouple of drinks in Patrick,s before finishing the night off at Bending Bamboo. 12ish.... Taxi....Home....Bed
Many thanks for report - enjoy
I am really enjoying reading your report looking forward to the rest of it
Seems the Russians are not liked at all in Goa.Heard lots of negative things from the locals this year.
Papa
Papa
Wed 16/2/2011
Ganesh's again after breakfast, looking like this is going to be our local for the rest of hols. After baking in the sun for a couple of hours me and broth inlaw walked up to John's boat trips, and booked the houseboat trip for the 4 of us, for the 1st March, We was going to do the Hampi trip, but a couple we had met in Ganesh's recommended the boat trip as Hampi was to hot at this time of year.Spent rest of the day at the shack baking in the afternoon sun.
After getting showered and changed we were of to the H/T meet at the Carvery. Sorry to say we were disappointed with meal, but far worse was the Kingfishers were warm, and to a drinking man there is nothing worse than warm beer, rant over. We met some great people, who more than made up for our disappoinment with food/drink, a special thanks to the very bubbly Goangirl for breaking the ice for us, And all the other H/Ters and friends who were there. Can,t remember what time we left, but we had our nightcap in Bending Bamboo (again)....Taxi....Home....Bed.
Thurs 17/2/2012
Ganesh's once more after our two eggs, and toast (sure I heard the wife clucking as we walked up beach), early in the afternoon there was one hell of a commotion at the water's edge with a lot of people shouting and waving, the beach guards arrived, it seemed a Russian man ran into sea and stood on a bottle severely gashing his foot, Ganesh went down to have a look, and said it was a very. very bad cut, The landrover arrived with even more lifeguards, and lifted the man in, obviously taking him to hospital.
We never saw the man again, but his wife called in shack to let Ganesh know he was very sore and on crutches.After that little episode the beach around shack was well scoured before going barefeet into sea. 6-00pm walked up Whispering Palms Rd. to the cheap as chips bar across from Ruffles, We ordered 2 large kingfishers, 2 1/4 bottles of gin, 2 swheppes tonics, and 2 large bags of crisps all for the princely sum of 295rs. After a couple of more drinks we bought a take away from Friends...Taxi....Home....Dined on balcony....Bed....To be Cont.
Ganesh's again after breakfast, looking like this is going to be our local for the rest of hols. After baking in the sun for a couple of hours me and broth inlaw walked up to John's boat trips, and booked the houseboat trip for the 4 of us, for the 1st March, We was going to do the Hampi trip, but a couple we had met in Ganesh's recommended the boat trip as Hampi was to hot at this time of year.Spent rest of the day at the shack baking in the afternoon sun.
After getting showered and changed we were of to the H/T meet at the Carvery. Sorry to say we were disappointed with meal, but far worse was the Kingfishers were warm, and to a drinking man there is nothing worse than warm beer, rant over. We met some great people, who more than made up for our disappoinment with food/drink, a special thanks to the very bubbly Goangirl for breaking the ice for us, And all the other H/Ters and friends who were there. Can,t remember what time we left, but we had our nightcap in Bending Bamboo (again)....Taxi....Home....Bed.
Thurs 17/2/2012
Ganesh's once more after our two eggs, and toast (sure I heard the wife clucking as we walked up beach), early in the afternoon there was one hell of a commotion at the water's edge with a lot of people shouting and waving, the beach guards arrived, it seemed a Russian man ran into sea and stood on a bottle severely gashing his foot, Ganesh went down to have a look, and said it was a very. very bad cut, The landrover arrived with even more lifeguards, and lifted the man in, obviously taking him to hospital.
We never saw the man again, but his wife called in shack to let Ganesh know he was very sore and on crutches.After that little episode the beach around shack was well scoured before going barefeet into sea. 6-00pm walked up Whispering Palms Rd. to the cheap as chips bar across from Ruffles, We ordered 2 large kingfishers, 2 1/4 bottles of gin, 2 swheppes tonics, and 2 large bags of crisps all for the princely sum of 295rs. After a couple of more drinks we bought a take away from Friends...Taxi....Home....Dined on balcony....Bed....To be Cont.
Sat 19/2/2011
Never having used public transport in Goa before, we decided to try it by going on the short journey to Calangute. We boarded the bus on main road near the hotel, expecting a 5 minute journey we paid our 5rs to the conductor,We thought the bus was taking the scenic route to Calangute. After about 15/20 minutes we asked the conductor, how long would it likely to be before we reached Calangute......
CALANGUTE he shouted, and pointed to back of the bus, next stop Mapusa market he said, bringing a few chuckles from the English speaking passengers within earshot. We stayed on bus on arrival at Mapusa, after 10minutes or so, we were back on way to Calangute. We pulled up at a garage en-route, and driver and conductor jumped from the bus, after asking the passengers on back seat to move up the bus. Then with the help of 3 or 4 of the garage lads proceded to haul a great big spare wheel through the entrance at back of the bus, they let the wheel drop with an almighty thud in the space between stairwell and backseat, the passengers who went back to thier original seat,had to sit with thier feet on wheel and knees under chin for the rest of journey, and everyone getting on and off bus had to use door at front end. We finally reached Calangute,
walked to beach, and on to the Dolphin shack for the afternoon entertainment with a good band.We spent rest of afternoon,and indeed some off the night in the shack, then walked to the Hungry Horse, and took a taxi into Candolim. a few drinks on main road in Candolim, another takeaway from Friends then......
Taxi....Home....Balcony Meal....Bed.
Never having used public transport in Goa before, we decided to try it by going on the short journey to Calangute. We boarded the bus on main road near the hotel, expecting a 5 minute journey we paid our 5rs to the conductor,We thought the bus was taking the scenic route to Calangute. After about 15/20 minutes we asked the conductor, how long would it likely to be before we reached Calangute......
CALANGUTE he shouted, and pointed to back of the bus, next stop Mapusa market he said, bringing a few chuckles from the English speaking passengers within earshot. We stayed on bus on arrival at Mapusa, after 10minutes or so, we were back on way to Calangute. We pulled up at a garage en-route, and driver and conductor jumped from the bus, after asking the passengers on back seat to move up the bus. Then with the help of 3 or 4 of the garage lads proceded to haul a great big spare wheel through the entrance at back of the bus, they let the wheel drop with an almighty thud in the space between stairwell and backseat, the passengers who went back to thier original seat,had to sit with thier feet on wheel and knees under chin for the rest of journey, and everyone getting on and off bus had to use door at front end. We finally reached Calangute,
walked to beach, and on to the Dolphin shack for the afternoon entertainment with a good band.We spent rest of afternoon,and indeed some off the night in the shack, then walked to the Hungry Horse, and took a taxi into Candolim. a few drinks on main road in Candolim, another takeaway from Friends then......
Taxi....Home....Balcony Meal....Bed.
Sun 20/2/2011
A lazy day at Ganesh,s today after our real life episode of On The Buses, yesterday. We had booked a table at Victor,s for 7-30pm, and after reading a lot good post,s about it we were all looking forward to it. The 4 of us had decided on the fillet steak, for main meal, 2 dressed crab, and 2 prawn cocktail,s for starters. And had told Victor this when booking a table a couple of days earlier. We arrived just before 7-30, and was shown to table by a young waiter, Victor appeared and confirmed our order 2 steaks well done, and 2 steaks medium/rare, with a pepper sauce. 2 large beers, and 2 G/Ts. The starters arrived and they were delicious dressed crab for myself, and O/H, prawn cocktais for broth/sis inlaws.The main courses arrived and were brilliantly presented, as had been the starter,s and looked absolutely mouth watering. However a quick glance at the sister inlaw told me that something was not quite right. The O/H cut into her steak, and her first bite confirmed it, Victor had mixed up the steaks, me and O/H had been served welldone steaks with pepper sauce ,and broth/sis inlaws medium/rare, by this time the place was full... 3 tables with 4 covers and 1 table with 3. So rather than make a fuss we said nothing. A little blip perhaps,but it didn,t spoil a very enjoyable meal, and I would recommend Victor,s to anyone. After meal we made our way to the main road, and had a few drinks in Ruffles before.....Taxi.....home.....Bed
Mon 21/2/2011
Booked a taxi (Ganesh,s brother) and went to Old Goa At 10-30am, After a very interesting couple of hours at the church and musium, made our way back to the Santana for our beach towels, etc. Tried the Calamari shack for the 1st time, but due to placement of beds moved to our regular haunt of Ganesh,s.After spending the afternoon on the beach we returned to hotel showered and changed. All fancied fish and chips so went to Tony.s Place, but was packed, and with another 3 couples infront of us wating, we decided to forget fish and chips for tonight and went to Friend,s, 3 of us had the best steak and kidney pie we have had in a very long time,while broth inlaw had his hottest Vindaloo ever(his word,s) A few more in the cheap as chips bar then.....Taxi.....Home..... Bed
A lazy day at Ganesh,s today after our real life episode of On The Buses, yesterday. We had booked a table at Victor,s for 7-30pm, and after reading a lot good post,s about it we were all looking forward to it. The 4 of us had decided on the fillet steak, for main meal, 2 dressed crab, and 2 prawn cocktail,s for starters. And had told Victor this when booking a table a couple of days earlier. We arrived just before 7-30, and was shown to table by a young waiter, Victor appeared and confirmed our order 2 steaks well done, and 2 steaks medium/rare, with a pepper sauce. 2 large beers, and 2 G/Ts. The starters arrived and they were delicious dressed crab for myself, and O/H, prawn cocktais for broth/sis inlaws.The main courses arrived and were brilliantly presented, as had been the starter,s and looked absolutely mouth watering. However a quick glance at the sister inlaw told me that something was not quite right. The O/H cut into her steak, and her first bite confirmed it, Victor had mixed up the steaks, me and O/H had been served welldone steaks with pepper sauce ,and broth/sis inlaws medium/rare, by this time the place was full... 3 tables with 4 covers and 1 table with 3. So rather than make a fuss we said nothing. A little blip perhaps,but it didn,t spoil a very enjoyable meal, and I would recommend Victor,s to anyone. After meal we made our way to the main road, and had a few drinks in Ruffles before.....Taxi.....home.....Bed
Mon 21/2/2011
Booked a taxi (Ganesh,s brother) and went to Old Goa At 10-30am, After a very interesting couple of hours at the church and musium, made our way back to the Santana for our beach towels, etc. Tried the Calamari shack for the 1st time, but due to placement of beds moved to our regular haunt of Ganesh,s.After spending the afternoon on the beach we returned to hotel showered and changed. All fancied fish and chips so went to Tony.s Place, but was packed, and with another 3 couples infront of us wating, we decided to forget fish and chips for tonight and went to Friend,s, 3 of us had the best steak and kidney pie we have had in a very long time,while broth inlaw had his hottest Vindaloo ever(his word,s) A few more in the cheap as chips bar then.....Taxi.....Home..... Bed
Tues. 22/2/2011
We decided to have a change of shack today, and decided to give Monica,s a try, nice friendly people, and not as many Russian,s
A couple of coffee,s first thing 2 water,s for the ladies, around 1-00 we had 1 plate of pakora,s, 1 garlic nann., and 3 soup,s 4 large beer,s,and 2 Budds, 850rs. Back to hotel a liitle earlier than usual for a dip in the pool. Evening meal at Cececelia,s, and just as good as our first visit, then taxi up to J29 sports bar to catch the last few over,s of the England v Holland world cup match. A few drink,s spent most of night in there, before going for our last drink of the night in Bending Bamboo.....Taxi..... Home.....Bed.
Wed 23/2/2011
A late breakfast, then the short walk to Monica,s shack for the day, had quite a few drink,s in shack, stayed,and watched the sunset
Didn,t bother going back to hotel walked up to Friend,s had another good meal, more drink,s then 10-30pm.....Taxi.....Home.....Bed.
We decided to have a change of shack today, and decided to give Monica,s a try, nice friendly people, and not as many Russian,s
A couple of coffee,s first thing 2 water,s for the ladies, around 1-00 we had 1 plate of pakora,s, 1 garlic nann., and 3 soup,s 4 large beer,s,and 2 Budds, 850rs. Back to hotel a liitle earlier than usual for a dip in the pool. Evening meal at Cececelia,s, and just as good as our first visit, then taxi up to J29 sports bar to catch the last few over,s of the England v Holland world cup match. A few drink,s spent most of night in there, before going for our last drink of the night in Bending Bamboo.....Taxi..... Home.....Bed.
Wed 23/2/2011
A late breakfast, then the short walk to Monica,s shack for the day, had quite a few drink,s in shack, stayed,and watched the sunset
Didn,t bother going back to hotel walked up to Friend,s had another good meal, more drink,s then 10-30pm.....Taxi.....Home.....Bed.
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