Hi

We arrived back last week from a fortnight in The Phoenix Park Candolim.
Been suffering from post hol blues and not got round to writing a report until now!

We flew Star class premier direct with FC for the first time and wow what a difference it made :tup. Very comfortable seats, plenty of legroom great food and service and the seatback entertainment was excellent. However because of the time factor after our meal we practically slept most of the way anyhow. They provide you with one of those cushions that go around the neck, so don't bother taking one as I did. In our outbound pack we got dental floss, comb, and a seeping mask amongst other little knick knacks I have forgotton about (sorry)! Oh and the seats recline back a lot further than I have ever experienced on other airlines too!

We flew out from Manchester at 0.30am and were the only flight out of terminal 2 that night so the airport was relatively empty. As a result of this there were no shops open just duty free and one of the bars where we had to queue for an eternity to get served. However the flight was bang on time and boarded very quickly.

We arrived at Dabolim around 3pm, got through immigration in the "blink of an eye" (What an improvement on other years)! Our cases were 1st off the carousel and we were out of there within 7 minutes...(no lie)!

We decided to get a taxi rather than wait for the First Choice bus to load everyone on and we were at The Phoenix Park checking in without any hanging around. We were allocated a first floor apartment in Dahl block and were very pleased that the standards were as good if not better than last year. More sunbeds around the pool this year too, although we do tend to use the beach.

We didn't go on many trips as we have done a lot in the past and just spent the whole fortnight chilling on the beach. We used mostly Claudinas shack as usual and met many old faces from previous years...Bumped into HT'er Tracym and her hubby, (they are still there lucky beggars)! Didn't get much hassle on the beach as that stretch has a security guard but some of the Indian women still try it on when his back was turned...very amusing really!

Went on a fishing trip from Coco beach with some friends, arranged through Ken who owns The Peacock in Candolim, Very enjoyable day out but the lads caught nada! Us ladies caught a great tan though!..

We visited Aswan, Morjim and Mandarin beaches which were all very beautiful and the sea appeared a bit calmer than Candolim.

We also took a trip down the Chapora river on a catamaran (sp)? for the day too, we have done this trip every single year as well and love it! You visit a traditional Goan village where the local bar owner serves up ice cold kingfishers amd mussels cooked in a variety of spices. The day is finnished off by mooring on the river side of Turtle beach for swimming and fishing. Lots of wonderful wildlife to be seen on this trip as well. It isn't cheap cost around £30 each for the day but the food is out of this world and you can drink anything in abundance..we stuck to tea

We dined at all our usual haunts and tried some new ones too:- The Mermaid was wonderful but you had to book. After7 is outstanding and his business is expanding as there were a lot more covers and there is a new bar waiting area too. The service is excellent and Leo the owner makes every guest feel special.

Cactus Shepherds Pie - not been before I had the Shepherds pie and it was delicious! Floyds Hut, The Jazz House both really good too and The Mango Grove had improved a lot on previous years.

Out worst meal was in The Taste of China...(didn't think you could ever get a bad meal in Goa), but the sweet and sour pork was inedible!

Calangute and Baga seemed a lot busier than previous years but it all added to the fun! Lots more traffic on the roads as well...think they will have to discover zebra crossings soon although they will probably ignore them!!!
I noticed a lot more families with small and teeenage children than in previous years as well, which goes to show that Goa is now catering a lot more for families.

Bought lots of silver jewellry and lots of lovely tack too Numerous handbags and both had our eyes tested and got new reading glasses for £40 each.

The trip home was not as bad as usual too...bit chaotic at the airport but a definite improvement on previous years. We will always use FC in the future and won't darken Monarch's doors ever again.

I know I have missed loads out..but will post stuff as I remember. I have put some piccies in the gallery and will add some more.

Sorry I missed you Vegas (Amanda)...we certainly must have passed each other at some point???

We did try and get to Lazy Days in our 2nd week but outside the CSM we bumped into a couple from Bradford who we met last year and ended up going for a drink with them so never made it

My only biggest disappointment is that I didn't book for 3 weeks which we usually do..I just didn't want to come home.

Ahh well only another 12 months to wait, unless we go for Christmas...I will have to break that one gently to hubby

Regards
Ann