Apologies for the delay, but been really busy and if I am honest, depressed that I am home and not in Goa!
This was my first time to Goa and I went with a party of 23 people (you may remember earlier posts about this). Mostly family, extended family of varying ages and 3 children of 21 months, 3 and 6 years. My OH didn't go as he couldn't get time off work having had a holiday in January for 3 weeks.
We departed Plymouth at 7am on 15th April bound for Gatwick. To save all fuss and bother I had arranged two airport transfer mini buses. Arrived in good time and proceeded to check in only to find that the Monarch baggage conveyor belts had broken down and the queues were moving really slowly as a result! Eventually got to front and no problems. Had 40kgs of excess luggage for CWT. Had my confirmation in hand but was told it was no problem as it was all on the computer, just had to take the two bags to oversized baggage.
Flight was delayed, forget by how much now! Was the last person to board the plane as stayed with one of the party who is claustrophobic and does not like to be in the crowded tunnel or sat in seat before shutting door, longer than she has to (for some reason she is fine once door shut and knows she can't get off!) We must have looked right lunatics sat in departure lounge with her tapping her cheek, wrist and collar bone and counting to 10 (Paul McKenna to blame for that!)
Flight was pretty uneventful, food ok. Found the legroom ok and I'm 5'8", width of seats a little on the small side though. Didn't watch the films as too far from the screens and thought it was a cheek to 'hire' the headsets. Landed only 15 minutes late as made up time.
As I was sat near an exit, was one of the first off the plane and was amazed to be walking across the tarmac with no-one directing us. Just followed the others. Despite being lucky enough to be at the front of the queue for immigration, it was pretty pointless when half of the party were stuck at the back. The immigration officer did not speak to me or acknowledge me at all, just took my passport and handed it back. I had expected loads of porters in the baggage hall, but there were only a couple who were busy taking the bags off the belt for the previous flight and they disappeared when our bags came through, thankfully. Well the bags came though on both belts, very, very slowly!! By the time the last of our party emerged from immigration, the last bag came through. Think it was well over an hour!
Emerging from the airport was another story altogether! I had warned everyone about the porters and told them to hang onto their luggage unless they really wanted to part with their money. It was like running the gauntlet! I had set myself a mission that I would not part with £1 and I am happy to say I achieved it. They were trying to grab my trolley from me but I hung on for dear life, looking straight ahead and saying no thank you. My brother-in-law did not fair so well. My 6 year old niece was clinging to the trolley with a porter spread across it trying to prize it from brother-in-law's hands! Niece was screaming to high heaven as he was scaring her and despite his protests that he was scaring his daughter, porter did not let go! As you can imagine, he didn't get any money. As we reached the bus, some of party are now wondering what sort of place they have come to. Due to large number of people staying at the Osborne Hotel, the bus was only going to this hotel, so at least we weren't driving around to others.
The air conditioned bus (and I use the term loosely) drove us to the hotel. I knew immediately that this would be my type of holiday. Others had a culture shock. Only one of the party had been to Goa before and most of them had only holidayed in Europe or similar. The important thing is that they were willing to give Goa a try.
Bus dropped us off on the main road as it couldn't fit down the road to the Osborne, so off we got and there were plenty of room boys running up the road to help with the bags. Check in was a bit chaotic as there was so many of us and probably took a little longer than is normal. I was sharing a room with my sister and friend. I wanted an air conditioned room but was told that they didn't have triple A/C rooms and I would have to upgrade to a superior room for £164.00! No, thank you very much, I'd rather sweat! And believe me, sweat I did!
Anyone who has stayed at the Osborne will know that there are 3 phases and we were split between phase II and III. Everyone was happy with their rooms apart from one who placed in a dark, damp ground floor room but she was changed with no problem. The rooms are very basis, but very clean and all rooms seemed to be different. Loads of space though which is a bonus.
Didn't venture very far on the first day as we were all extremely knackered! Just stayed by the pool and chilled. Did go to the chemist to buy my 6 weeks of malaria tablets as we had all only got one weeks worth each in the UK. I was gobsmacked to be charged just 7rps for the 6 week course. So cheap I brought everybodys (well seemed daft for everyone to trapse up there).
That evening we all just ate in the hotel and they really tried their best for us. It was my mum's birthday and they even produced a cake, which was lovely. The food was ok, but nothing compared to what we sampled later in the holiday. By now everyone's enjoying the Kingfisher and marvelling at how cheap it is.
There is a lot of mixed reactions from our parties first day in Goa. Some of us, me included, think it is fantastic immediately. My brothers girlfriend cried the first night! And others are just waiting, open minded, to see what the next 2 weeks brings them.
Sorry, I do go on bit and I've not really got into the holiday yet! Will write some more later.
Tina x
Brilliant first instalment - if I remember rightly you are the control freak that arranged everything for all of the 23 people - you must be a 'saint'.
ki77y, you obviously read my 'prequel'
I most certainly did - looking forward to the next instalment - I can already tell that you enjoyed Goa!
I love to read about people's first reactions to Goa, can't wait for day 2.
Great stuff so far remember the pre trip report well, I`m going to recommend you be put on the New Years Honours list
Excellent read - can't wait for next instalment!
Great 1st installment control freak Bring on the rest
she'll do it when she is good and ready. Nobody tells HER what to do!
Sorry Fiona, I forgot
By day 2, as expected, people went off exploring in smaller groups and doing their own thing. We generally met up early evening in the hotel bar for a few drinks before heading off for something to eat, again generally in smaller groups as everyone has different tastes or wanted to try different restaurants.
Some loved the beach so went everyday. Others preferred the pool, so tended to stay there more. I like a bit of both and you do get a nice cool breeze on the beach which was needed with the heat. The 3 children loved being by the pool as the sand was too hot for them to play with and the sea too rough for more than a paddle. With so many of us, they were entertained constantly so they were quite happy. I won't forget my first beach visit. Upon arrival I noticed a dog lying in the sand, not far from the shack we had stopped at. I asked the girl there if he was asleep. I knew he wasn't, I was just really hoping he was asleep. She replied quite matter of factly that he was dead. Not really knowing what is supposed to happen in Goa in these situations, I asked if anyone was coming to collect him. I don't really know who I thought was coming to get him though. She said yes, someone was coming. Relieved, I sat down on the sunbed. 5 minutes later two guys appeared with shovels, dug a hole in the sand and slung the dog in it. Not something I will forget in a hurry.
We sampled some fantastic food in Goa. We all went to the final night of opening for the season for East Meets West. Fantastic food. My favourite was Maggie's and I went there 3 times. Didn't get to Au Reverie but others did and said it was awesome. Ate at Mackie's market, again very good. Didn't have a bad meal once, loved it all and mostly ate local cuisine. Within the group, we had 2 delhi bellys, 1 food poisoning, 2 ear infections, 1 with swollen legs, 1 heat rash and a couple who overdid the sun. I was fine though.
By the 2nd day, the girl who cried the 1st night discovered that Goa had real, live shops!! She came back beaming with her purchases. I can see she is warming to Goa. By the 3rd day, she's discovered that they have actual pubs, with actual music and dancing!! She is now telling me she loves Goa!!
We went to the Welcome Meeting, which is something I don't normally do. However, I wanted to go on the Jungle Book trip. I went to Daytrippers but it wasn't open so didn't know if it had already closed for the season. Anyway, 18 of us booked to do it. 21 mth old stayed at home with nan and granddad. All I can say is it was the best £77 I spent. I was just brilliant and I had the best time. We went to the Spice Plantation and had lunch. We ate off banana leaves and I thought I would do it properly and eat with my hands, quite messy! Off to the Shanti Nature Reserve to spend the night in our mud hut. Now luxury it ain't, but it was certainly different. In the afternoon we walked down to a local village and met some of the schoolchildren who sang for us. We then sang for them and did the hokey cokey. Some of the lads then played cricket with some of the village boys, We then went to the village shops and bought some biscuits and the like for the children, and then some toothpaste toothbrushes and soap. Then went back and rode the elephants. The 3 and 6 year old thought this was magical. Evening meal was simple but tasty. No need to change for dinner. Then we had a sing song around the camp fire and a few beers. I made sure I tucked my mosi net firmly in place that night! Some of the group did the 5.30am walk to a waterfall. Too early for me and I'm glad I didn't as it more little more than a trickle. After breakfast it was over to the river for an elephant power shower. Again, just brilliant.
Also, went down to the South for the night with my friend and stayed in a tent on Cola Beach. It was beautiful there, so peaceful. Last one the bed as usual as stayed a drinking to the small hours. Friend had hangover from hell so not a good idea to do the boat trip we had booked. We spent most of the journey with her head over the side.
Got some wonderful bargains. Bought loads of tops, leather sandals, had a dress made, loads of bags and various other bits and bobs. My friend is a Radley fanatic and she gave me £50 to buy her some stuff. She was more than happy with the 4 bags, purse, passport holder and mirror wallet I got her. She thought it was Christmas. Not a brandy drinker myself but stocked up for Uncle who loves it and spent 3 months in Goa last year. Went to Anjuna market and it was manic. I don't like the way they try and pull you everywhere. You do have to be firm sometimes. Liked Mackies though and went there twice. Loads of powercuts the 1st Saturday we went (think Gemma 33 must have been there the same night?).
I had intended to get to Lazy Days, honest!! The first Wednesday I went out for a meal and then ended up going to The Log Cabin, got a little tipsy and then carried on to the Shamrock. Rolled home at about 3.30am. No matter I thought, there's always next week. Well when next week came, I ended up doing the same thing but added on Club Cabana. Ladies Night on a Wednesday and free to get in for woman and all drinks free, now you can't argue with that can you. However, after half an hour I left, just didn't like, I don't know what I was but just wasn't getting the right 'vibes'. So, I have decided I must go back to Goa in order to fulfil my promise of going to one of the meets.
Now I have to say, and you will probably think I am weird, but I loved the chemist!! I was amazed at what you could buy for such a silly price. I stocked up on lotions and potions for any ailment I may or may not get in the next 12 months. Also got more malaria tablets for that return trip.
6 of us went to The Mango House to drop off all the things we had brought over. What wonderful job they have done there, the place is just fantastic. Great story about the pig toilet. Needless to say, pork did not pass by lips whilst in Goa. After helping to prepare the fruit salad, we then went out with Rob and Ali to 2 of the slums they work with. The children are so appreciative. A very humbling experience and the smiles on their faces will always stay with me.
I have 2 stories to tell you about my time on the beach "¦"¦
The 1st involves a 9 year old Goan girl called Elisha who befriended me one day. She has busy chatting to me about anything and everything and warning me about what I should be wary of on the beach. What a helpful little girl!! I bought her a coke as we chatted and asked her why she wasn't at school She said it was the holidays but would be going back in a couple of weeks. She then said she needed some books for school and could I go to shop and buy them for her? Not wishing to miss 5 minutes of valuable sunning time, I said I would give her the money but she must return and show me the books she had bought. That'll stop her from pulling a fast one I thought. She had no shoes so put my size 8 flipflops on and off she went with the 60rps I have her. She was gone for ages and by now I was worried I wasn't going to see them flipflops again! However, after about ½ hour she returned, books in hand. Bless her I thought, the money really was to buy school books. A little later off she went. Sat watching all this was guy who all morning had been trying to sell me his jewellery. Elisha's a very clever girl he said. Great I thought, the books will really come in handy then. Then he said, she shows you the books, but then takes them back for a refund "¦ . so I had to agree, yes she was a very clever girl!!
The 2nd one I'd rather forget! Now I knew all about the currents in the sea in Goa, you guys had warned me all about it and it doesn't take a genius to see just how powerful those waves are. Well about 6 of us were stood in the water, just past our knees, jumping over the waves as they came in. Before I knew what was happening, a huge wave went over my head and pulled me under. By the time I had resurfaced, another wave came before I could catch my breath and dragged me under again. I swear I saw my life flash before me. I found out later that the others were killing themselves at what they had witnessed, not realising the trouble I was in. When I eventually came back up, the current had carried me right out to sea. I know you shouldn't panic, but panic I did and I did not have the strength to keep myself afloat and could only just manage to scream 'help'. Also, my prescription sunglasses had been washed away so I couldn't see either. By now they had realised I was in trouble and my brother (with a lifesaving qualification) swam out and rescued me. On a lighter note, remember Ursula Andres in the James Bond film where she walks out of the sea "¦"¦ well I didn't look like that. My bikini bottoms were around my knees and the top was around my waist!! No matter, considering I was alive and on dry land!! Despite saving me, my brother was terribly upset that only seconds before he was laughing at my predicament. He was still my little hero. I would add that my mum was oblivious to all that had happened as she was haggling over a wooden box from her sunbed!!
At the airport I was presented with a card and £95 where they had all had a whip around so I could buy some new glasses. There was a little speech saying my glasses were replaceable but I wasn't, a few tears followed which also started some of the others off!
The driver on the coach back to the airport was a lunatic and my mum kept telling him to slow down but it fell on deaf ears. The rep put us at the back of a very long queue. When we neared the front, he told us we were in the wrong queue, so we had to go to another! I can only describe the airport as organised chaos! At check in, he took our tickets, but didn't want our passports. So how did he know that the names on the tickets matched the passports and the people standing in front of him? Loved the price of duty free cigarettes though. £6.10 for £200. Got 1000 and of course declared them upon arrival in UK.
To sum it up, I loved everything Goa had to offer. Loved the sounds, colours, smells, people and the vibrancy. I definitely want to go back but just don't know when I am going to be able. I don't have much leave left at work and won't get my next lot until 1st April 08. As I want to go back earlier in the season next time, the coming season is probably out for me and I'll have to wait till at least Nov 08. But make no mistake, I will return. As for the others . well what did they make of it? Some would return at the drop of a hat and like me, loved everything about it. The rest want to return, but in a few years. Only 2 said that although they enjoyed it, they wouldn't return.
Hope I didn't bore you too much and thanks to everyone who contributes to the forum who helped me prepare for what was truly a memorable holiday.
Tina x
Well, what an exceptional report. As a control freak Tina, did you have help or did you do it all yourself As an animal lover i'm not sure about the dog burial on the beach, what's that going to smell like by next season? Your comment on the strength of the sea in Goa is to be respected, that has happened to me in what you would say is a calmish sea, only to come out with cuts where you get dragged along the sea bed by the waves. If only 2 came back saying they wouldn't return, that's not a bad return on the amount of adults that went. I hope you do get back to Goa, only next time, make it easy on yourself, less people, a lot less trouble for a control freak Have really enjoyed reading it, think i'll give the beach a miss tho Tony.
Hi Tina, i really enjoyed reading your report this morning, thankyou. Your description of events are great, makes me feel like i was there with you. I cannot believe they buried that dog on the beach in front of people. Yuk how many more dead dogs are we sunbathing and eating near? Animal lovers? the Goans dont seem to be do they? It must have been terrifying for you in that sea, shows how easily it can happen even if you are only paddling. Well done your brother. I loved your jungle book experience, we passed on that one but i think i will be up for that next year. You packed a lot into your two weeks didnt you? Tina you sound like a really good person but take the advice and try to let others sort themselves out, makes life a lot less stressful for you. i am a bit like you so i know its difficult Glad you still love Goa and want to return, its a wonderful place. Bye for now, take care. Lisa.
Hi Tina, what a brilliant report. It brought back so many memories reading it. I don't know if I would have the patience to write such a long piece of text but thank you for taking the time.
Your report was fab. I going ossborne at xmas for 3 weeks. I had same experience in sea as you not drowning, but bikini went down i so embarassed it in fron of mates husband lol.
Also everyone take heed of warning about ELISHA, her mum works at twinkling star shack on golden eye part of calangute beach. We went to seahorse shack next door, she trys it on with everyone (few on here HT have mentioned her!!). one day she walked with us to taxi asked me for money i said no, then she asked husband, then mate, then her husband. she will not take no for an answer. she speaks excellent english and trys to befriend your kids. she very astute, i not mind one day she was drippin in gold jewellery!
I love Goa we go every year and have done for past 12 years but on the stretch of beach you were sat on I will rarely go in above my knees- Iv'e seen too many near misses including a toddler being grabbed from its mothers arms when mum was pulled off her feet by the sea and fortunately the little gitl turned up naked (she did have a little bikini on) 100 yards down the beach
take care and thanks the report was lovely.
Maggis I must tell you -- on our 1st year was literally a little shack in the middle of a big field, with a sand floor, we gave Simon instructions how to cook Jalfrezi and he told us one day he would have a large restaurant, - look at what his and his families hard work have achieved
take care
Lyn x
Your story about the little girl reminded me of the day we bought a little boy who works on Baga beach 2 t shirts and 2 pairs of shorts at the start of the holiday and was a little mystified as to why he never wore them and still wore his ragged things, as we took him to the shop to buy them so he could choose himself and he seemed to know the owner i always suspected he had taken them back, still you've got to love them haven't you?
The girl who cried also reminded me of my trip to Goa last year when we came across 2 couples in our hotel with long faces who said they had just arrived and they didn't care for the basic accommodation,hassle on the beaches etc. etc. etc.........
Saw them 2 days later, beaming away, saying they had fallen in love with Goa and the people and were already planning to go back next year!!!!!!!
That is typical of many people though, anyway so glad you enjoyed your holiday and thanks for the great report, love shirleyv xx
Goanmad Tony - Need you ask, I did the report all by myself Like you, I am also an animal lover. It's the one memory I wish I could erase from Goa.
Sammy10 - Seems like our 'friend' Elisha is quite well known. You are right, her english is excellent. An extremely enterprising little girl.
Goanluv - You won't remember, but you were the 1st person to ever give me info/advice on Goa (on Trip Advisor forum) and I thank you. I also remember reading a post from you about Maggie's and how it had grown. I met Simon and he gave me his business card as we got talking about the guesthouse. He also showed me one of the rooms and I must say they are really nice. Definately a consideration for when (not if) I return.
Take care x
Tina, I thought so
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