Welcome to the forum Sian
I'm also a first timer to Goa in November! When abouts are you going?

HELLO SHINE
i've answersd a question of yours on another thread, have a look on page 38.
when i first went to goa (been there 6 times and going again december) i was in the transfer bus, if you dared call it that. i was looking around at the countryside and all that goes with it, and i wondered, where on earth have i come!!!!! to tell you the truth, i was not impressed!!!!
after a couple of days things started to change in my mind, i was beginning to see what everyone was raving about.
after 3 or 4 days, i was hooked. the people are so friendly, the prices of everything is so cheap, the food is fantastic, and there are plenty of things to see and do.
you don't have to stay in your resort, you can travel by the very cheap taxi's to many other beaches, and to places of interest. about 7 or 8 pounds for the day for a taxi.
when booking trips though, try to book them through DAYTRIPPERS or JOHNS TOURS they are rather cheaper than the holiday reps.

hope this is of some use to you BOB

Thanks Bob - will check out the other thread.

I think we will just have to go with an open mind esp about the poverty/porters at the airport/etc.

Broken Hatred - we go on the 29th of November for 2 weeks. Might see you out there!!

shine3bg xx

I think the culture differences work both ways... from the moment we landed we were mesmorised and couldn't believe we were actually there, looking out at Goan village life from a bus window and not watching a documentary on television, we fell in love with Goa there and then and have loved it ever since

Hi Sian

You will see sights in Goa that will amaze you and move you believe me, like you have only seen in documentaries. As TJ says it is mesmerising and unforgettable. I am sure you will love it. Hope so anyway.

I think we will just have to go with an open mind esp about the poverty/porters at the airport/etc

Yes do! Not just about the poverty etc. About everything!

My first visit was this year and i cannot wait to get back its a very addictive place. Bye. Lisa.

I had my first visit this year, I done lots of research and found HT very useful (I didn't realise how useful until I got to Goa).

I went with a very open mind, and although I encouraged my boyfriend to do the same, he spent the initial coach ride from the airport with his head out of the window saying "oh my god". But we had a great time, and we are going back again next March!

I have to say that this site is just fantastic. Myself and my OH are going to Goa for the very first time on the 2nd Dec - MY BIRTHDAY!!! I am sooo excited, although I am trying very hard to remain calm. My OH finds it very amusing that my suitcase already has bits in.

I will be 30 next year and thought (mortgage underwriting, although enjoyable - not v exciting), i should get some adventures under my belt. Something to tell the kids you understand! Nothing to do with sandy beaches, sun, fantastic food and luverly golden rum........

We have booked 4 very different holidays/adventures for the next year of so, Nov we're off to Norway to see the Orca's that come to the fjords to feed on the herring, my OH will be snorkelling and I will be in a RIB. Am trying v hard to focus on Goa as the thought of seeing that first dorsal fin sends my heart racing! Then in May we're off to southern Spain, then in Sept we're off to Florida to experience some serious roller coasters.

I have spent months reading all your topics and holiday reports, it just fuels my daydreaming.

xx

Am embarrassed to say I've been posting on the forum for a while now but never introduced myself

I'm Julia but prefer Jules, I'm 38 and live with my partner Steve in Hampshire, along with our 4 bunnies and 2 cats. I work in IT as an Executive Assistant (impressive title eh!!!). I've been lucky enough to travel to some fantastic places and stumbled across HT's last year while planning our first trip to Goa. I got more advice on here than any guide book could ever give me and so was well prepared for my trip, thanks to all of you that answered my endless questions last year and for everyone that posts on here, keep up the good work your advice and experiences are invaluable.

Having said on my trip report it would be a good few years before we went back, we are planning our next trip in March just 18 months after the last one

Hi all

First time on here. Have booked 2 weeks in Calangute from 27th Nov 2007, theres 25 of us (couples of all ages and widows/widowers) going out there.
A few of them have been 4/5/6 times before and have give us an insight into the place, but this site is fantastic .......... and damned enormous
Just a quick question if i may, is Calangute/Candolim a safe place to go ?? By that, I mean is it relatively safe to walk around of an evening without wondering if you're going to get mugged/Knifed etc ???
Thanks in anticipation.
Apart from that, a quick CV see's me as a 41yr old BT engineer from Burnley/Lancs. Married with 2 kids (18 & 12).
Cant wait to go .........................

razpag1, welcome to HT. Your find the whole of Goa one of the safest places you could ever holiday in. Very safe walking around in the evening but, as with anywhere you visiting common sense prevails, Tony.

I remember my first time on the bus driving through the villages, the wood burning the smell, I thought Oh my God and was terrified. We then arrived at the Dona Alcina (very basic) and everyone was complaining (not us although a bit scared). After the first day we were mesmerised and we met the most wonderfull couple and another lady. They were from Lowerstoft and she was from Thetford in Norfolk. We have stayed friends ever since. The Goans are wonderfull people each year we go back they remember us and we remember them, we were hooked after the very first day even though the hotel was a shock. i am sure you will love it and want to go back year after year as we do. this is our 5th time.
Have a brill holiday and just see past the poverty.

hi razpaq1 welcome to ht you live near us we are from blackburn and you will definately feel safer out and about in any part of goa than you would in either burnley or blacburn have a great holiday

Thank you for prompt replies.
I'm itching at the bit to get out there, but will have to bide my time for a little longer........ 'bout 14 weeks
I'm gonna have a serious surf around this site to get as much info as I can about the area and 'shacks'. There seems to be that many, and it appears that they're all recommended. Guess we'll just have to find out for ourselves.
PS ......... I can take it, it's not like walking around the Fishmoor estate/Blackburn ???

TJ, what are your dates for Goa? Don't want to miss you opening that tight wallet of yours

Tony are you misbehaving again


This is meet and greet not Goa gossip! You are so going to get told off by Fiona when she gets back You will get a reputation for being the naughty boy of the forum if you dont behave.

Anyway, what are your dates and where are you going? Are you in Cavelossim?

Yeah see you there in a bit though never been before

You will get a reputation for being the naughty boy of the forum if you dont behave.

Thought I had that already

Anyway, what are your dates and where are you going? Are you in Cavelossim?

All being well, 15th march for 3 weeks, staying in Madel, just outside Colva.

Tony....

Sorry fizzy, can't help it

Hiya Tone we love you misbehaving really!

Hi, I'm Phoebe. Having been reading the forum for a while, but took me ages to post after joining.

I first went to Goa in around 1991 ( I think!) to Candolim, and have been back several times, last in December 2006. What changes, since the previous time was about 7 years ago!

It's been useful reading the forum, otherwise I wouldn't have had a clue about changes to applying for a visa.

Hoping to return to Goa, early New Year

Phoebe
what took you so long? You have a lot of catching up to do now! Get posting!
Seriously, welcome to the Goa forum