Never done a trip report before but here goes....
Arrived at Manchester airport on 27th December. We had pre-booked the hotel some time ago as it was a good deal with an overnight stay and parking included. Got up nice and fresh, 5 minute shuttle to the terminal and we were on our way.

Flight departed on time, we were lucky the snow had all cleared. Good flight with Thomas Cook, the meals were typical small aircraft portions but I have to say were hot and quite tasty. In flight Entertainment was fairly limited but OK and the flight seemed to go very quickly and we landed at Dabolim at 04.00hrs.

The swine flu check was a joke. We walked past a heat sensing camera and passed two lads sitting opposite one another astride a bench. They were laughing and joking, each had a mask around his neck and appeared to be having a race as to how many cards they could stamp as they called to people to hurry through whilst stamping your card which had been handed out on the aircraft.

Usual queue at immigration, and we weren't asked for our stamped swine flu cards which are still in my bag for throwing away. We collected our bags and met our trusty, reliable taxi driver (see later) who was waiting for us and continued our journey to Baga, arriving at the hotel at approx 05.30.

We stayed at The Sun Park Resort in Baga which had been recommended to us by a friend who has stayed there several times and had been given an excellent rate of 1,000 rupees per night (mates rates) for 21 nights. Our room had a bedroom with a balcony overlooking the swimming pool with a bathroom off the main bedroom and a small sitting room off the main bedroom which contained an extra bed. As there was only the two of us it was very spacious. It was by no means luxurious but for 1000 rupees a night we didn't expect luxury, the staff were very friendly and helpful, the room was cleaned every day and the bed linen and towels were changed every day and we were happy for the price we'd paid. (we did ask about reserving the same room for Christmas/New Year 2010/11 but the Manager told us that we'd had a very special rate this year and would e-mail us with the rates for this year when he'd spoken to his boss - the owner) We'll have to wait and see what he comes back with.

Next two weeks were spent chilling out and enjoying the beach - shacks up and running, sellers out in force everything we love about the place hadn't changed that much although there did seem to be more Russian and domestic tourists. We went to all our usual restaurants, East Meets West, O'Pescador and tried a few new ones in Candolim that we'd never ventured to before, Over the Flames, Flambe, The Stone House and found them all to be very good.

The first Wednesday night we were there we decided to go to the meet at the Carvery, had a great night food was good and everyone made us feel very welcome. We met up with some of the HT crowd on the Sunday at Jambalaya where Tom and his daughter provided a great night's entertainment and then went to the HT meets again on the following two Wednesdays as we'd enjoyed it so much and I must admit the Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding was a temptation I couldn't resist...........................Cottage Pie and chips was good too. Thanks to everyone for making us so welcome.

On the Monday of our last week we went to Delhi and Agra which was a trip we'd arranged prior to leaving the UK with Daytripper. Although it was only 3 or 4 degrees in Delhi very cold after the temperatures we had got used to in Goa and although our train to Agra was delayed because of the fog, we managed to see all of the sights that we'd booked to see and thoroughly enjoyed our trip. What can I say about the Taj Mahal - suffice to say I cried with emotion when I saw it and will never forget the experience.

And so to the morning of our return. We had booked the same trusty reliable taxi driver, that we have used for many years to ferry us to and from the airport, to collect us at 03.30hrs. By 03.45 when he didn't show and wasn't answering his phone we were a little concerned. Our hotel did not have 24hr reception, and the Security man didn't know anyone to ring at that time in the morning that drove a taxi so the OH decided to go up to Baga Road and get a taxi - not easy at that time in the morning. We were lucky a taxi driver stopped to get a coffee and the OH pounced on him and he was only too pleased to accept the fare, by this time it was 04.30 We got to the airport, checked in and got through security just as the flight was boarding - bit close for comfort. The entertainment package on the flight back was much better, there was more choice of films and you could stop, pause and watch what you wanted when you wanted. When we landed back in the UK I had received a text from our taxi driver apologising for all the trouble he had caused us and was extremely sorry that he'd overslept.

Anyway all's well that ends well and we're home and I'm back at work tomorrow...............but not before checking the deals for this year..