Out of gatwick north on First Choice premium. Got my visa via a private visa company (no problems, all done in 5 days), booked up a business class lounge at gatwick to get the trip off to a good start, so felt a bit sorry for some when I boarded the aircraft to find it had just come down from Manchester as FC had combined two flights into one. Flight was good and landed on time, and very quick though pasport control. Taxi after checking in with the reps to Highland Beach resort, Candolim. All week found the staff friendly and efficient and the breakfasts adequate, especially if you like eggs. Place was about one third full all week. Cant comment on their evening meals as I ate out all the time. Enjoyed meals at After 7, Jardin next to the Goan heritage, and an Indian curry house whose name escapes me in Panjim. Weather perfect and the sea calm and flat but with quit large breakers smashing in irregularly. My favourite Beach Hut (Jolly Jacks next to the Golden Eye) still there( my first trip to Goa for 8 years). Goa is the fourth country I have visited in 2008 and all had Russians in evidence. (harmless but dont expect a conversation). Both Jolly Jacks and other families I know from Kanataka who come in to sell trinkets etc are all very worried about the lack of tourists. Of course, they dont help themselves very much because many sell basically crap, and as for the glut of taxi drivers, my record was 8 offers of a taxi between Highland Beach and the Newton supermarket. By the way, a good addition to candolim but a bit against the spirit of the place , i guess.
Exchange rate hovered about 72R to the £ all week. Surprised how tricky it was to find an internet cafe. ATM both guarded by a security guard clutching a rifle about 200 years old. No other signs of security apart from the tragic closure of Anjuna and night markets. Hope they open soon.
Stunningly pissed off by the paludine /avochlor malaris treatment. No I didnt get malaria (didnt see a single mosquito) bit it knocks your appetite in the wrong direction. Will try another drug next time.
Street atmosphere the same as 8 years ago. Wild traffic with big horns and attitude with the odd group of benign cows placid as if in a protective force field. Big lack of sellers on the beach, apart from newspapers. Wasn't charged for any sunbeds. No major gripes on anything and going again in March. FC flight left on time but the usual Indian oficialdom made the airport a hassle. Nice to see a good eaterie booth airside. FC premium thrilled us all by giving us a Daily Mail and a champagne all english breakfast.