Got home at 4.30am this morning from my first trip to Goa, so I thought I would put a quick message on here to say thanks for all of the hints and tips, they were all really helpful.

We stayed at the Sunkissed hotel in Calangute, I cannot praise the hotel enough. I know it was quieter due to it being end of season, but lying by that pool with just a few others was absolute heaven. Its a small hotel, probably about 30 sunbeds maximum but the whole place was really peaceful and staff so friendly. From the hustle and bustle of Calangute high street it was lovely to escape to the quiet! The rooms were massive with a lounge area seperate to the bedroom with a full size fridge/freezer - twice the size of mine at home! Stocked every day with water, kingfisher, coke etc...we just paid the cleaner when we saw him, very relaxed and every day he left the towels in all manner of arrangements - one was a "towel man" complete with cap, sunglasses and one of my bracelets!

Spent a few evenings at the Rabbie Burns scottish pub, the couple who run it, Dave & Gill were so so friendly and we had a real laugh with them. For anyone who hasnt been, its such a lovely bar - if you dont mind a bit of tartan! The toilets were the cleanest I have ever seen anywhere in the world!
The homemade cider was especially refreshing.
I told them I would find out where Souymens Kitchen is...so can someone please post on here so I can email Dave to tell him where it is??? We tried to go a few times but none of the taxi drivers or the hotel staff seemed to have heard of it, which was a shame but no worries. So if someone doesnt mind posting there it is, Id be grateful. Thanks!

We had an amazing week and although I know alot of places were closed/closing it did not spoil anything,as plenty of places were open and loads of choice where to eat/drink etc. The food was fantastic and I only had a tiny bit of delhi belly.
It has made us want to travel more in India and explore, however as this was booked as a last minute cheap (!) week in the sun, we did not do too much, which suited us fine as it was a well needed break from work! However we fully intend to return and see more.

One of my best memories is of an Indian couple at the hotel, a few of the English lads taught the Indian bloke to swim one day! To say he was overjoyed was an understatement, he was so happy and was splashing around practising every day.
Whilst we were there the Royal Navy descended into North Goa for a few days. The lads we bumped into were friendly, loud - yes! but only letting off a bit of steam after 4 months on a ship! Some people at the hotel thought they were a bit loud (espesh the Indians!) but they were harmless and just having fun like everyone else. They kept us entertained for a few days!!

So now back to reality, Im full of the cold and shattered after zero sleep and long trip home.
Oh well, roll on next time!

thanks again to everyone for the hints and tips....and sorry this has turned into a bit of an essay!
Jen 11