I had made notes on camcorder but that broke down on the last day, don't ask lol. It has now been replaced so I will work on further trip reports over the next couple of weeks as the new season approaches. In the mean time I will re-post some of the reports I did post whilst in Goa......Hope that makes sense :-)First Day
Well after getting through the airport in the fastest time ever onto the journey which reminds you just why Goa is so magical, driving down the coastal road past Bogmalo, Colva, Benaulim etc, the sights, the colors, the smells, the cows wandering down the street passed the large church at Benaulim/Varca where the local lads on mopeds dressed in there Sunday bests to impress the girls, on passed the Portugese style villa's and then the huts passed the rice fields and onto Carmona and the fish market on the corner. Finally arriving in Cavelossim passed the Palm Grove and the Haathi Mahal where we spent 4 fantastic weeks last year. We then turned right and into Luisa By The Sea did we make the right choice.......? Absolutely !!!! what a tranquil setting so relaxing we are already in Goa mode. We went for a walk down to the beach saying hello to some familiar faces, lunch at Dom's then back to the pool which is 10 yards from our bungalow. Last night (Mrs Jock turned in we don't sleep on planes) so me and Jnr Jock went to the River View sitting on the pontoon, no music just the lapping of the river, as dusk turned to night and the stars made a glow on the river I looked at Freya and thought "How lucky I am, how many father's get to spend such quality time with there 8 year old daughter in such wonderful surroundings?" How lucky I am
Well having an absolutely fantastic time weather is great even though it's a little humid there is a lovely cool breeze and of course cold kingfisher to cool you down. I'll write a full report when I get back Monday was spent chilling by the beach then off to the River View for lunch before heading to the beach (via Jaans and he says a big hi to Gail and Linda) and a dip in the sea which at this time of year is like a warm bath and of course you have to wait until 7pm to enjoy that gorgeous Goan sunset (which means an extra cocktail
) Went to the Palm Grove for dinner and the food was as good as ever (though me and Laurence toasted life with a nice malt whisky I'd brought him) szechuan chicken wasn't on the menu but they made it any way and it will be returning to the menu for next season ). (there may also be another Jnr Rodriguez in time for next season), A few highlights from yesterday, playing cricket on the beach with the locals Jnr Jock hit some great shots and then at sunset as I was diving through the waves I spotted a couple of dolphins break the surface no more than 20 feet from me they then proceeded to do complete somersaults fully out of the water and with sun turning red in the backdrop , it was truly stunning and no more than 20 feet from where I was swimming. Last nights beach party at Dom's was a great night (more in full report) and tomorrow we are off to Benaulim catching the bus At the River View (which doesn't have anymore tables but is definitely wobblier than last year) for lunch today,tender beef steak marinaded in garlic ginger and lime paste with baked potato and fresh veg for all of 200 rupees gorgeous oh and kingfisher 50 rps There were a couple of guys fishing from the pontoon they said they are not catching much through the day but they went back at 10pm last night and caught some snappers and cat fish.
Wow wow and wow what a fantastic trip so far too many highlights to mention will give full update when we get back (sorry about lack of reports but I used to post early morning at the Haathi last year but the cafe' doesn't open until 9am by which time Mrs and Jnr Jock are up and the daty is beginning) This morning we went up to Margao (dropped Freya at Laurences to play with Anna-Lee) and it is as fantastic as ever, the noise, the traffic, the horns what a buzz it should certainly be called by it's other name MADgaon. We visited the dentist (excellant and more later) then breakfast at Tato's mixed bhaji, puri (puffed pancakes) milky coffee followd by a fresh lime soda. Then off to the warren that is Margao market, I keep expecting a Goan Artful Dodger or Oliver Twist to be ducking and diving through the passage ways. Then off to Longhuino's for a seat by the window a cold drink and a bit of people watching and just watching the world go by, a little more shopping before fitting in a cold beer in the Venice Garden restaurant, it's amazing sitting in a peaceful garden as the madness goes on just on the other side of the wall. A Tuk tuk back which weaves in and out of the Margao traffis going through gaps which I swear aren't there. The driver was crossing/blessing himself everytime he passed a large church I was crossing myself everytime he overtook (joke honest;-) ) Now back at Cavellosim and ready for a relaxing afternoon on the beach we'll watch the sun go down then head back for a shower before going to the beach party at Dom's tonight (It's changed to a Tuesday this season and Dom's has moved from last year too) Heading back to Benaulim tomorrow (Hawaii really is a great shack with a lovely laid back feel to it and a great menu). Spice Plantation elephant wash and Children Walking Tall on Thursday, Friday evening planning going to see the new musical/light fountains in Margao (will report on them when we get back) before going to Laurences house for a meal, Hope to update soon and full report when I get back, Falls/Chandor etc. etc
Mrs and Jnr Jock are having a long lie we danced, talked and laughed at the beach party last night till 0130 a great night and Freya really enjoyed the dancing, fire-works and Dom has two excellant Russian fire-dancers this season.
A quick add on to yesterday's post after leaving the cafe' we went for a dip in the pool before going to the River View for a late lunch as I sat I couldn't help but think this sums upthe magic of Goa, this morning we were in the manic market town of Margao and now we were sitting on the pontoon a couple of local lads were fishing from the wall, a small Goan boy grinning from ear to ear as a small fish got reeled in, a fishing boat was just coming in to port further downstream, there were a couple of kites flying above, that lovely chestnut colour as they tilt there wings and the sun reflects off there backs, the lovely white egrets on the other shore and then as I looked up the river view a kingfisher was just flitting across the water before landing on a rock to eat it's catch the contrasts in Goa truly are wonderful. Oh and the food was fantastic
Meant to mention I met Bighally40 on our last day which was great. We were sitting in Silver Shades beach shack and this family were leaving, something just twigged as they left so I asked Nathan (the shack owner) if they were staying at the D.S. and if they had been last year to which he replied yes. So I told Nathan (who also is a partner in Golden Eye) to ask him that night if he was Bighally and if so goanjock said hi. Anyway at around 11pm Nathan and Bighally's son arrive at the River View (where we were) on scooter, so we went and joined Bighally and family for a drink, a blether and a laugh it was great meeting someone from the forum and what a lovely family so till next year BH and the drinks will be on me
