Had complimentary passes to 'Executive Lounge ' at Gatwick so thought we would start holiday in style! Just glad hadn't paid for whatever it costs!!! Yes, free drinks - but very limited choice - have previously been in lounge at Manchester (preferred departure airport but due to fantastic offer on flights from Gatwick, did the change.) Also, area was not wonderfully clean and snacks not up to much but, hey ho - free! Advantage was, we met a very interesting chap (whose name escapes me at the mo but he was staying in the Nirvana). He told us some very entertaining stories of his previous trips and we did have a walk up that end (from Candolim - a major feat on my behalf I might add!!!!!) but alas, the 1st time,apparently, he had drunk much HB the previous night and could not be roused and was not to be found on the second visit. Shame - he was a character!( If you are a subscribee here please post your adventures!!!) Anyway, back to our arrival - we had booked an apartment - never tried before, usually b&b but as I am usually overwhelmed by mountains of food, in my wisdom thought we would be better with an apartment. Booked via reputable letting agency and paid minimal deposit - HOWEVER, on arrival we were not happy chappies. The vision of a white painted set of apartments trimmed with jaunty blue and pretty gardens turned out to be dirty grey with what looked like black mould or burnt charring decoration , overgrown gardens and overlooking a working busy building site! Apartment was spacious but no utensils 'because of regular robberies' explained housekeeper. Decided not to risk it and made hasty retreat! Went to our old favourite Lucia's b&b and luckily they had a room - even gave us a discount as previous cutomers. Happily sttled holiday could begin. Fantastic weather throughout fortnight - sometimes a little overpowering, mainly at night. We were told by several locals it was the hottest feb for 38 years. Joseph, our host, told us a couple of times - 'it will rain tonight and clear the air' but despite some black looking clouds the rain never materialised. We did the usual strenuous holiday things - ie - beach, read, sleep, lunch, sleep, read - oh and the occasional dip in the sea!!!! Hey - what are hols for? We have visited several times so done a lot of the excursions. Highlight for me was a trip to Mapusa market with Lucia (host). She is 1 canny shopper and entertaining to watch. Nothing gets past her!! She saves her and guests newspapers and takes them to market to sell. They weigh them with the old fashioned weighing scales but woe betide anybody trying it on - she is on them immediately!! Same with her shopping. !kg of tomatoes had to weigh scales right down and any she didn't fancy she just threw back on the pile and the seller tried to match size with equivalent. After much toing and froing of tomatoes she agreed to pay 5 rupees! Yeah right - can see my local market agreeing to that process!! This happened with onions (also 5 rupees per kilo). Fresh warm bread buns were 20rupees for 8 and she insisted on getting my oranges (gorgeously yummy) as her price was less than half mine!! Fish market, however, turned out a no no. I had wanted to see it but within 100 yards or so the smell was making me retch so gave it a miss - unfortunate really as it put me off the fish for rest of holiday!!! A really good interesting adventure. We then went in to a local cafe where they bring you a huge plate of local delicacies and you only pay for what you eat. ries something called chop which was very tasty - bit scotch eggy but many other tasties wouldn't have known about and with our drinks came to a massive 55rupees! Oh how the other half lives!!
Went to old fave Flambe but unfortunately very disappointed this time. Sevice lacklustre and meal cold. Lovely lovely security man on the door and always aid cheery greeting whenever we went past (evey night!) Felt guilty not trying again but so many to try. Fancied a non-indian meal and was rec Foxy's -somewhere near Newtons. Fab meal. 4 of us - 4 kingfisher beers (lge) 4 romanov vodkas, 2 tonics, 2 directors whisky, 2 sprites, 1 delicious steak, 1 spag bol, 1 beef stroganoff and 1 curry (OH can't do eouropean in Goa!) 1300 inc tip - how brill is that? Def recommend for a change from curries - yes, philistine I know but come on, some of you MUST fancy a bit of plain cooking during your stay!!!!!!
Highlights on beach - topless lady several sizes larger than os but not a care in the world. A gorgeous blonde back view, hubby held stomach in for 3 days til he saw front view - 80 if a day - loads of 'extra skin' - actually got a compliment - 'you're not a bad old stick actually'. Hmmmmm. Reckoned that was worth a shopping trip so duly purchased a few nik naks that will surely come in useful - know what I mean girls? Anyway, altogether a brill holiday and I think we will purchase visas late nov this year for another 2 visiits because despite all moanings and groanings can't beat it!!!!!!
Forgot to say - went to meet on 1st weds and made very welcome by all, esp Chilly. Had a great time and learned loads of valuable things and funny stories. Thanks to all. xxxx
