Cant wait Leoness ..dont keep us waiting too long its the only thing that keeps me going reading everyones reports .....its a long way off to november but when I read a report its the next best thing to being there myself .....colleen

Having problems getting report on computer have tried twice upto now

Thats a shame Ann. When I was doing one bit of my report i typed up this enormous bit then deleted it by mistake
Fiona suggested typing it up first in word so I wouldnt lose it, then copy and paste it onto your report. Maybe that would help, I dont know.
Looking forward to reading all about it anyway, hope you and Paul had a smashing time

Thats a brilliant idea will definately do it that way! Will start it later today. Thanks

That's the way I did mine - the little box where you post is not big enough to look back and see what mistakes you have made- so doing it in 'Word' is definitely the way to go.

McGroogle

Well here goes 3rd time lucky!!!
Arrived at Manchester Airport on 27th March. 1 hr delay which worked in our favour as we were in the exec lounge! Boarded the plane, first time we'd been with First Choice, very impressed!! Lots of leg room, big comfy leather seats, seat back TV's with lots of choice and interactive games which were good fun playing against other passengers, definitely no more dreaded Monarch for us!! Few vodkas and a couple of tablets later and I managed 4hrs sleep but Paul couldn't sleep, don't know if that was too many or not enough vodkas!!
Arrived at 11.15am to friends who were leaving on our plane waving at us through the glass. Normally we all go together but I have set holidays and they couldn't manage that this time (or so they said ha ha). Went over to talk to them but were told by airport security "in line, in line, get in line", so off we went with just a wave! I needed the loo but was armed with my loo roll as I knew what was going to happen! Sure enough I was offered a sheet of paper with one hand whilst the other hand was held out for "English pound"!! The loo lady wasn't too happy when I held my own loo roll up, or when I handed it round to the others in the queue!! Went to wash my hands and ever hopeful loo lady held her hand out again and said "English pound" her face was a picture when I smiled and said "yes please!" Still smiling to myself I met up with Paul who took one look at my face and said "what have you been up too already?" "Who? Me?" came the reply!!! Collected our suitcases without any hassle and out to the bus. Heard lots of people being asked for "English pound, English five pounds and even English ten pounds!!!" Unbelievable!! Nobody approached us, maybe it was the determined look on our faces or maybe we just look tight but either way were not complaining!!
Onto the bus and whilst we were waiting for the others a porter came to the window with a handful of change and asked me for a ten pound note. I told him I hadn't got one and he asked everyone else on the bus, to no avail. He went to the next bus but no luck there and came back to me. As I didn't have one a few seconds ago and hadn't been anywhere, I want sure how he thought I'd have one now!!! Anyway, off we went and it was great to see familiar sights, the hustle and bustle, the noise and general mayhem but not so great to recognise some of the familiar smells!! The driver was driving at the usual break neck speed and the rep was stood up talking to everyone when a taxi pulled out immediately infront of the bus. The driver slammed his breaks on narrowly missing the taxi and the rep went flying down the bus and across one of the seats. The passengers at the front got up to help but the rep just got up, brushed herself down, smiled and said "This is India, this happens" After a few heated words and gestures between the drivers off we went again.
Arrived at the Phoenix Park and we had requested a room in the reception block, which wasn't quite ready. No problem, off to the bar for a drink. Two large Kingfishers, mmmmmm"¦ "First of many" said Paul, he wasn't wrong!! While we were drinking it we were asked twice for our room number and we explained we didn't have it yet or any money, but we would settle up later. Up to our room soon after which was exactly what we'd asked for, really spacious and overlooking the pool. Paul was really tired and had a sleep whilst I unpacked and woke just as I finished hhhmmm . bit of a coincidence methinks haha!! Off for a walk and to change some money, first word we hear? Anyone guess? TAXI!!!!! Had lunch, few beers, chicken biryani and chicken lollipops, 300rps!! Food tasted really great and you really forget how cheap it is. Back to the hotel for a rest and then out for the evening. Went to the hotel bar first and before we even ordered were told "sir, you owe for beer from this afternoon!". Last time we stayed at the PP we could settle the bill whenever we wanted so either they have a new system or we just look dodgy!!
Plan for tonight was to go to the Sea Shell, which is always our first meal. On the way we saw Bending Bamboos ooohhhh"¦ new bar, we really should try it, so after a few in there we went up to Tiger Trail to see Yani. While we were there we bumped into a couple we'd met on a previous holiday and it would have been rude not to have a few drinks with them, so eventually starving and a bit tipsy we got to the Sea Shell. What a disappointment! We waited over an hour for the meal and when it arrived my rogan josh was watery and an unappetising grey colour and Paul's tikka massala wasn't much better. We'd ordered a coule of garlic butter chipatis which were stone cold when they arrived so we asked for fresh ones. They brought them back about 10 seconds later and had obviously zapped them in the microwave as they were really hard. After such a disappointing meal we needed to chear ourselves up, so into the mango grove for a nightcap or three then off to bed for some much needed sleep!

sounds like a good start (apart from Sea Shell).
Re unpacking- my OH DOES help with the unpacking- he takes them out of the suitcase onto the bed

That was lovely reading that report, I have decided I am so sad that I find myself smiling at someone elses holiday report! I cant wait to go back to Goa at Christmas and I am going to keep watching whats going on this site, it is so addictive Thanks again for making me smile and carry on with the reports

The next few days!!

Up and down for breakfast. Not too impressed by the breakfast this time as the PP now has breakfast in a covered area outside which we found quite cramped. Just had coffee and toast, mainly because there was not much else left!! Must get up earlier tomorrow!!

Off to the beach, walked down the side of the health centre and agreed to flop at the first shack with proper toilets. Stopped at Dolsea and had a lovely foot massage especially as my feet were really swollen from the flight. Spent the day there had lunch and a few drinks, 430 rps for the day.

We had friends staying at the Whispering Palms the first week and they came looking for us on the beach. After a few drinks with them agreed to meet them at Floyds later. Back to the hotel for a swim, then got ready to meet our friends. Had a great meal at Ffloys, butter chicken, tandoori chicken, garlic rice, 2 garlic nans and a few drinks 650rps. Really enjoyed it, restored our faith after last nights disastrous meal! Agreed this would be our '1st Meal place' in future.

Off to Ninos Nook later for a few more drinks, then said goodnight to our friends with the intention of going back to the hotel, however on the way back we saw a lovely little bar called the pub, would have been rude not to go in!! Met Alwyn the barman who sat and chatted with us, stayed a couple of hours and met some lovely people.

The next day we didn't get up until 12 noon!! Oh well, no hassle at breakfast at least!! Off to the beach again and this time tried the Bay View shack. We found the beach quite dirty with lots of debris everywhere. Usual thing, lots of food and drink and slept on the sunbed. Left at 4pm and met our friends at Ninos for a few drinks and told them we were going to the meet at Lazydays tonight. This was fine until I mentioned it was on a Weds night and they pointed out today was Thursday!! Oh well forget that plan!! Seemed to have lost a day somewhere!!

After a sleep and shower, we decided to go to Viva Goa. Walked there which was good as we spotted the laundry Gemma had told us about. Loved Viva Goa, Paul loved the prices!!! Large vodka 22rps! We had 2 meals, rice and nan breads and a few drinks all for 357rps!!! Think Paul would like to come here every night, ha ha!! Walked back and called in Cactus Shepherds Pie for a drink. Back into Candolim and had a lovely coffee at Gazebo. Paul had cappuccino and I had latte and both tasted exactly the same!!! Both were lovely though!! Had an early night for a change and on the way home it dawned on us that if it was Thursday we should have been at Mai Thai for the charity do!!!! Aaaarrgggg!!!!!

Up bright and early the next day as it's jewellery day! Didn't bother with the scrum for breakfast and off to Chandra's. I know there have been a few negative comments on this site about him lately but I have always been more that happy with any jewellery he has made me in the past. However I thought it was only fair to tell him I was concerned and the reasons why and he was clearly shocked when I told him and I gave him this web site so he could see for himself. I told him about comments that he bought his diamonds from other jewellers in Candolim and he just laughed. I know he buys direct from Mumbai as he picked up a diamond a friend had ordered from there last time we were here. Anyway, on this occasion we were having a ring made for my 25th wedding anniversary later this year, and one made for my friends daughters 21st. Looked at lots of diamonds and the ones I liked were really expensive!!! He said he would get some others from other shops and we said we would think about it as they were more than what we wanted to pay, they were gorgeous though!!! Left the design for the 21st present and left some repairs and items to clean.

After that walked down the beach and went to Ganesh shack. Met Billyblue nose, Spike, GEC and their other halves. Really friendly people and lovely shack. Lazed around all day watching the work on the River Princess then back to the hotel for a swim and got readt to go out for the night. Met our friends in Nonos nook, then off to the Bistro. Had a gorgeous meal in lovely surroundings starters, steak or chicken, loads of drinks, coffees 2040rps for four of us. Well worth it! On the way back, called in Mai Thai which is just near the bistro. Met Shermina, lovely lady. On the way back to the hotel we called into the pub again and bumped into Pete and Tish who used to run the Countryside pub. Great to see them and they filled us in with all the gossip and we stayed and had a few drinks. Lovely evening.

Very tired the next day so went to Ganesh shack and dropped onto the sunbeds for a sleep!! Another lazy day chatting to others in the shack. Had lunch there, Spike had the biggest prawns I had ever seen!! I believe Billybluenose has put a picture up in the gallery of them!! After going back for a swim we bagged some washing up and off to snow white laundry which was SHUT!!!! Aaaarrrggghh!!!! Don't seem to be doing too well with our plans! Carried the washing around and off to inferno for another brilliant meal and lovely Irish coffees to finish. Had a few drinks in Teama, then Bending Bamboos, then back to hotel.

Next day, our friends last day and supposed to meet them at Tidal Wave shack but Paul felt a bit off so stayed round the pool this morning. First time weve done this as we usually only use the pool when we return from the beach. Loads of beds in the shade and all with towels on even though loads of them are empty for hours, this is really annoying!! I also found that the breakfast area now takes up a lot of the previous sunbathing area. Anyway, later on Paul felt a bit better so we went to Calangute. Caught the bus which was great fun. Went for a drink at the Red Lion on the corner near the roundabout. We just love sitting there watching the world go by. Did a bit of shopping and bartering, all good fun!! Found it very busy which we love, but enjoy staying in Candolim because I don't think I could take the pace!! Found it quite dirty, seemed to be much more rubbish around since the last time we were here, although we found that everywhere not just Calangute. Got all our medication from the local chemist then got the bus back. We seemed to hit rush hour as the bus was heaving, cant believe how many were on it!! Had a laugh at the 'No swearing, No spitting' sign at the front of the bus!!

Off to Floyds again for an early meal, the off to the Whispering Palms to say goodbye to our friends. As it was Sunday and we'd actually got the day right, called in Mai Thai but no one was there for the meet. It was 11pm by this time though and Charlie told us Lin B had been in earlier but couldn't wait any longer, sorry Lin!! Called back into the pub on the way back, it really is too convenient!! Had a few drinks with friends we'd made and chatted to a young couple from our flight who had done loads since they'd been here and put us to shame!! Paul had a bit of an 'uncertain' stomach again so we said our goodnight and back to the hotel.

More later..... Anne.

This is good fun Anne ...im loving it up to now ...keep it coming ...can you tell me more about ..VIVA GOA ...where is it please I like the sound of it ....colleen

Hi Colleen, to get to Viva Goa we walked from the Phoenix Park towards Calangute, past the Snow inn and the Hakka Noodle place. Keep walking and you will pass Cactus Shepherds pie on your left, then Viva Goa is just a bit further down on your right. It is in a row of shops and next door to a chemist. It took us about 15mins to walk it. I'm glad it wasn't too near or Paul would have had us in there every night!!!!

Loving this report Leoness, dying to know if you got your diamond in the end , I just love these reports, they keep me going until next trip to Goa.
Will you be going back ?

Hi Shirley, yes I did get my diamond in the end and have just taken it to be valued! Will tell you more when I get it back. Definately planning to go back but think we may have exhausted the North, so may try the South next year.

Love your report Leoness.

Congratulations on your 25th wedding anniversary later on this year.

I am glad I am not the only one who loses track of the days!

After having five holidays in the north (the noise and the hustle and bustle became too much in the end), we have spent the last three years in the south. One thing that is different is the cost of eating out. I wouldn't say it is expensive as such, but it is certainly more than in the north.

I cannot wait for the rest of your report.

Thanks Sydney, will try and do some more later. Where do you stay in the South? We are looking for somewhere fairly laid back with a few bars and restaurants, and shacks of course!! We felt this time that we weren't experiencing many new things and thats one of our main reasons for long haul travel. Were not really into big posh hotels, we prefer somewhere a bit smaller so any suggestions would be gratefully recieved!

Sorry it's taking so long, here goes again!!

The following few days:

Planned to go to Mandrem beach today but Paul was up a couple of times in the night so thought we should stay nearer the hotel. Went to breakfast to have a coffee but were in for a long wait due to the amount of people waiting for cups, glasses and crockery. I went to get Paul a piece of dry toast but didn't bother when I saw the amount of ants running over the bread and swimming in the marmalade!! I wouldn't mind but there was a member of staff cooking the toast and making no attempt to try and get rid of the ants!!! Maybe I'm just a bit squeamish but it put me right off!! One of the waiters came over and I thought he was going to offer to get some more coffee and crockery but no, just wanted to sell tickets for the 'special menu' for the following night!! Maybe if the waiters paid more attention to breakfast, then tried to sell the meals later on we might have considered it. Felt like saying, well if it's anything like the appalling service at breakfast we wont bother, but actually smiled politely and said 'sorry we've already made plans!!!

Off to Dr Bobs, or should I say the hole in the wall chemist just near Nino's Nook! As usual he was really busy and we waited nearly half an hour with Paul complaining then saying 'I'm alright now', but I insisted we wait as I'm usually the one who gets ill in India and I know it doesn't go away on it's own!! Walked down the road next to Whispering Palms, or lice lane as we christened it, for obvious reasons!!! Went to the Tidal Wave shack and spent a lovely day there. Had a couple of lovely salads for lunch and decided to stay off the beer today to give our livers a rest!!

That evening Paul was feeling a bit better so thought I should get him back into Chandra's as I was worried we would run out of time!! After much discussion and Paul feeling rather faint at the cost, we decided on a 1carat brilliant round diamond with 3 smaller diamonds on either side of the band. We had been given free drinks on arrival but as Paul said, 'This is the dearest bleep bleep half a lager Iv'e ever had!!'

That evening neither of us were hungry so decided not to bother eating, had a few drinks at Teama and watched the world go by, then back for an early night.

The following day we decided to be lazy - again! Stayed by the pool for a while in the morning but couldn't get a sunbed, really annoying as quite a few were covered with towels but nobody using them for the whole time we were there. Spoke to the pool boy about it, who just shrugged and said 'non left' Off on the bus in the afternoon to do a bit of shopping then back to the hotel for a sleep. Can't believe how much we've slept on this holiday!! Tonight Paul didn't want anything spicy so we decided to go to Ruffles. Normally I run a mile from places like this, but I have to say the meal was excellent even if we did have to put up with karaoke while we ate it! Stayed for a drink after our meal which we were enjoying until they rung the bell and shouted 'last orders at the bar!!!!' Felt like we'd suddenly been transported home!!

Called in the pub on way home for a nightcap and got talking to a couple who had just arrived for their first time and were in the Alor Grande. They were very unhappy with the accommodation and we suggested they told the rep at the meeting the next day, also gave them some info about other places they could rent cheaply. They said they weren't expecting a palace but the room they had sounded dreadful and they felt like going home when they saw it. They thought everywhere would be the same and were relieved when we told them that wasn't the case.

Both of us up felling fine today. Off to Ganesh shack and met up with GEC, Billybluenose, Spike and AL38 and their partners. Another lazy day, lovely lunch and a few beers then called in at Sweet Art on the way back and had lovely Tirimisu and coffees.

Out early tonight and got a taxi to the Kim Faa, our favourite Chinese restaurant and had a gorgeous meal as usual. Walked round the corner to Lazydays for the meet. Had a really good night and met Walks and her partner Mike, who kept us entertained with his stories of running away to sea at 15, Robbie, noticeable by his newly done teeth, Polly 50 and her hubbie, X2weeks, Brenliz, who we only said hello to as they were off out, and of course AL38 and his missus Anne, who we had a good natter to. Had a really enjoyable evening, it was great to meet everyone. Got back to Candolim about midnight and were in the mood for a few more drinks (well, we had been very good for the last few days!) so called in the pub where we met up with the young couple from our flight who had just returned from Mumbai and had loads of great stories to tell. Staggered home about 3am, back to normal!!

The next day we were up late so called in Chocolatti on the way to the beach mmmm Gorgeous! Went back to the Tidal Wave shack but only stayed a couple of hours, it was really hot and we couldn't settle. Went back to the Bistro that night and met Steve and Irene, the couple from the Alor Grande. The rep hadn't attended the meeting and the office took messages but didn't get back to them, so they found their own accommodation near the beach and were much happier. They said they would keep receipts and try and follow it up when they got home, but they were determined not to let it ruin their holiday.

Called in Bending Bamboos but was bitten to death again!! Went to the Havelli on the corner near the Phoenix Park and had a few Bacardi breezers, then back to the hotel, another day gone!!

Great report Leoness, your ring sounds like a real bobby dazzler !!!

Have you added your report for the Phoenix Park to our review section HERE yet ?

Kath HT Admin

Great report and I agree with Shirley V your ring sounds amazing. I managed to talk the OH into buying me a baguette cut diamond band while we there last year and will start working on him for March next year!

Jules