Look forward to the investigations and the next report

3rd Feb - walked along this end of the beach - either my mind is playing tricks or half of the beach seems to have disappeared. Sun beds - lots of them now really close to the shacks. Lots of holidaymakers here, including quite a few russian tourists. Had a quick drink in Rams shack, nice but not for me, so head on up for Frank Zappas - ah now I am home Much quieter up here, still a fair few people on the beach but the extra expanse of sand between the shacks and the sunbeds gives it a much more relaxed feel. Our disabled friend is happy here, she finds a shady corner where she can put her feet up and read her book in peace. Food is excellent, as usual, and cheap, all is well with the world.
Can't praise the staff enough for their excellent service, they looked after our friend so well, carried her bags, sorted a taxi for her everyday - we were quite happy to leave her with them whilst we wandered.
Met up with Anita and John her brother, they work on the beach - have now known them for years and they are good friends, John has got married so invited home for a meal to see wedding video. We had a lovely evening, they are so kind - cooked a lovely meal for us and made us so welcome

roxey hope theres more to come- sounds great we're off to phoenix park in one week is that near where you were?stayed in calangute before.your report is getting me in the goan mood!
sue

Not too far away Sue, I havent stayed at the Phoenix Park but have read some good reviews have a lovely holiday.
Ingo's nightmare - oops sorry Ingo's night market. Was it ever busy - fun, though not for the faint hearted. Wouldnt recommend taking children unless they are tied to you. Absolute madness, was glad to escape after an hour or so - managed to come away with a few trinkets as usual. Out of the two night markets prefer Mackies, a little more relaxed. I was on a friends stall for a little while, one thing I did notice was the amount of tourists who stomp past eyes straight ahead not looking at anything, just constant no, no, no in a variety of languages. Whats the point in going if you arent going to join in. The people selling on these markets work really hard a smile and a quick no thanks doesnt cost anything.
Back to the apartment fairly early - sitting out on the verandah with a nice cool G & T, suddenly this black ball thing sails in and cracks hard on to the floor, then proceeds to bounce around the place. God knows what it was - around the size of one of the big butterflys - didnt stay outside long enough to find out - listened inside to it banging and bouncing for a bit - decided definitely needed another G & T and sloped off to bed. Thankfully next morning it has disappeared. Asked around if anyone had any idea what this creature was ........... no joy and never saw one again thank goodness.

was it a bat?we saw tons

I would say it was a bat too when we walked home at nights we saw lots of them too ...they are right in saying they are blind they almost fly into your face ............colleen

Roxey,
some tourists walk passed "eyes front" simply becuse of the persistence of stall holders when you stop to look.
Seeing as there are really only five different stalls, when you have looked at one of each you have seen them all.
I personally stop and talk to anyone at all (almost bought a marijuana pipe last year because I didn't know what it was)even when I have no intention of buying the assorted tat on sale at some stalls.
del

They sound like dung beetles.

who?
the tourists who walk straight past?.
It's OK for you to not like what they do but calling them dung beetles is a bit over the top

del949
seriousley, can dung beetles fly?

how funny!

Dung beetles, bats hmmmm!! my guess would be a bat OMG Anyway next day all clear.Popped down to Raffles, bit put off by their menu board, Liver and Onions, English Roast etc however had egg mayo sanwiches to die fo, truly the nicest I have eveer tasted. Ate there several times after and their food is excellent consistent in quality, Indian or British, waiters are pleasant and helpful. Really enjoyable.
Other enjoyable eateries were the Casa Seashell, Inferno, Annupurna and of course my favourite Frank Zappas shack - try the chicken biryani - 60 rupees - is wonderful.
Anjuna Market - apart from first trip have always avoided like the plague. However my friend is a 1st time Goa visitor - now addicted - and has to visit. We set off by taxi around 8.30 - what a difference it was really enjoyable - you still got the inevitable 'come look my shop' and strange men poke even stranger things into your ears but was relatively quiet and could browse with pleasure. Bought some lovely cushion covers, table cloth and various odds and sods - nice presents for back home - not too much hassle as we really were 'first customer' So go early!!!
Our two weeks went by very quickly, busy doing nothing!!!. The weather was fantastic, my friends - new to Goa- thoroughly enjoyed themselves and will visit again.Highlights Wonky my dog and Snowy my cat meeting me when I got out of the taxii. Krishna and his wife, our housekeepers for his regular supply of hot samosas - the are just sooo good!!!!. Our taxi drivers who took care of our elderly disabled friend,, charged her the minimum and went out of their wasy to help her.
Zappas again, for taking so good care of my friend
Anita and John my special friends
Simon and Michael - my 'indian sons'

great read

and strange men poke even stranger things into your ears

anyone who hasn't read this forum must get a real fright when it happens