I must say we were there from 8 - 23 March and 16-23 April and went to Bending Bamboo's a few times (was probably in there at the same time) and I got bitten to death, had repellent on before I went out and used the one behind the bar!!

Thanks for the report :)

Kath x

Think we just missed you Candy as we left on 10th April. Don't know why it's so bad for mossies in Bending Bamboos, they had the coils under the tables as well but it put me off in the end!!

Fab report Ann and Paul. Just trying to catch up on all the posts ive missed. Looking forward to the next bit

The middle of the second week.

Up this morning and got a bag of washing ready for the laundry. The plan was to drop it off on the way to Mandrem beach, however on the way down the road Paul felt really lightheaded and faint. He said it was something he ate but I think it had more to do with liquid refreshment or the realisation of what he'd spent in Chandra's the day before!! Decided it may not be the best thing to go very far today so I left Paul having a coffee while I walked up to the launderette really pleased with myself as I wouldn't have hardly any washing to do once home. I wish!!! Launderette closed as it was Good Friday, so off back to the hotel with my bag of dirty washing and threw it all in the case as we wouldn't have time now!! Oh well, at least I tried!!

Back off to meet Paul who was feeling a bit better and we decided to go to a shack near the beach road for a change. When we first went to Goa a few years ago we used to use Monica's shack so we headed for there but were really put off by all the Coca Cola advertising pillars at that end of the beach, and the fact that they were charging for sunbeds!! Walked along the beach again, dodging the litter and ended up back at the Tidal Wave. It was really hot today so we sat on the balcony for a while catching whatever little breeze there was!! Paul thought it best to avoid alcohol today until I ordered a Bacardi Breezer and he said "oh, go on then, make it two!!" Really thirsty so drank a fair bit of it before I noticed there was no labels on either bottle. Looking closer at the bottle there were no markings on the base of the bottle either, and our extensive research with all different flavours over the last couple of weeks told us there should be!! Decided not to drink any more of it just in case and tried to explain to the waiter who thought we wanted another one, so just gave up and got on the sunbed!!

Wandered back to the hotel later and as we were walking down the lane to the PP we said hello to one of our favourite stall holders who said, "Hello my friends, lady you have very big legs!!" We both fell about laughing and Paul said "Well there's nothing wrong with her eyesight!!" I like to think she meant they were still swollen from the heat, but then again"¦ !! Back to the hotel for a quick swim and a rest before wandering down to Alexanders for our evening meal. The humidity was really high today and we found everything an effort. I love Alexanders, it's one of my favourite restaurants but all I could manage was a bowl of soup, and a couple of drinks of course!! Paul ordered a full meal but couldn't manage it and was desperately trying to get me to eat some so it didn't look bad when I reminded him he'd ordered chicken and I couldn't eat it anyway as it was Good Friday, so instead he tried to tell me that it didn't really count in Goa!!!!

Called across the road to Teama for a drink and were having a good old natter when a couple about our age from Liverpool sat at the next table directly opposite. After a few minutes the bloke said in a really loud voice, obviously aimed at us, "I'd rather be a Muslim than a Manc!!" I was about to say "And I'd rather be any religion from anywhere as long as I wasn't as rude as you" but Paul beat me to it with "You cheeky swear!!!" Now I know there is a friendly rivalry between Manchester and Liverpool, mainly to do with football, but that's what I thought it was, FRIENDLY!!! Obviously no-one told this bloke!! His wife had a go at him then bundled him in a taxi, and we decided to finish our drinks and move on as well! On the way home we were laughing about it and Paul was explaining how I should have taught him a lesson and kicked him with my big legs when it started to rain!! We decided to cut our loses go back to the hotel and have an early night!!

The next morning we were both up and down for breakfast for 9am which wasn't too bad today so maybe it's the earlier the better. Walked down to Tara's as I wanted to make an appointment to have my eyebrows threaded and a pedicure before we went home, but she was closed!! Really must be more organised next time!! We weren't sure what to do when we saw a bus coming so jumped on it and went to Calangute. Spent the moning walking down to Baga Creek doing our shopping and haggling! Made me laugh to see all the crocks outside the shop next to Infanteria but I've no idea how much you could get them for. Walked up to the bridge and were going to go across, but by that time we'd worked up a thirst so we headed for the nearest shack. I really like the shacks at this end of the beach as it's nice to sit on the sand without sinking into it! Had a lovely couple of hours with a few drinks and some chicken lollipops then wandered back down the beach.

We found this part of the beach to be a lot cleaner than Candolim, but the down side is that it gets really packed and the sunbeds are really tightly packed together with hardly any room to get on or off them (well with my legs anyway!!) As we came off the beach towards the CSM we met Walks and Michael who we'd met up with at the meet, so we stopped for a chat (mainly about shopping and jewellery!), then went to finish our shopping. Called in Chic to buy a lovely Chanel holdall I'd seen the other day (real of course), but it was marked and they didn't have another and wouldn't give me any discount (fixed price shop) so I didn't buy it! Paul wasn't too impressed as we'd gone back specifically to get it, but I promised him a few beers in Calangute, so he cheered up!! Stopped at the Redout bar near the roundabout and watched the world go by, really love sitting round there, it's so entertaining!! We had a few beers and some gorgeous crostini and had a laugh with a lovely German couple, who gave the street vendor 100rps for a glass of the sugar liquid from the cane, they made his day, he pushed his cart off with a big beaming smile, waving all the way down the street- what a lovely memory! By this time it was about 4pm and our plan for that night had been to come back to Calangute and return to the Kim Faa but Paul pointed out it would save bus/taxi fares if we just stayed in Calungute and who am I to argue!! As we were staying out it also made sense not to fill ourselves with gassy beer so we had a few vodka's instead!! Finally left the bar to complete our shopping but had to stop at the ATM first to replenish the cash! Wandered past a jewellers and spotted a gorgeous pair of earrings and went in to price them but at £600, I just got 'The look' so I said no thankyou as Paul was rushing out of the shop desperately holding onto his credit cards! I spotted a tiny beauty salon down a side street that was open so I called in and had my eyebrows threaded for 30rps, which even Paul couldn't grumble at! Unfortunately there was a rather nice bag shop opposite though and I managed to lighten his wallet further!!

Called into Molly Malones for a couple more drinks and Paul realised he hadn't seen Irish Colleen at the meets. I pointed out that was probably because she wasn't back until November so Paul said 'Oh well, we'd best have a drink for her then!' So we did!! I went into the loo and tried to have a wash and make myself presentable, not easy without a brush, make up or clean clothes but not to worry! On the way up to Kim Faa, Paul decided that he looked too scruffy in a vest so went to buy a shirt from the Tibetan Market. He found the one he wanted and the guy said 600rps. Paul took 100 out of his wallet and held it up '100rps' says Paul, '500rps' said the guy '100rps' said Paul and so it went on!! I wandered off and when I came back they were up to 150rps, then eventually it was in the bag and the 100rps handed over!!!!

Went into Shooters so that Paul could change into his prized shirt and had a couple of gorgeous cocktails then into the Kim Faa for another fantastic meal. The only difference this time was that instead of beer we ordered loads of water!!! While we were eating the power went off, no surprise there, apart from people pointing at something. We turned round to find sparks coming from the electric cables which eventually set alight. No-one other than tourists even bothered and eventually it burned itself out!!!
Paul said as it was too late for the bus he'd treat me on the way home! 'Oooh a taxi?' I asked, 'Don't be daft', came the reply, 'A tuk-tuks cheaper!!' Ahh, bless him!!! First tuk tuk we saw Paul haggled with, and off we went to the PP. As we had loads of shopping, decided to drop it off then go out again as it was only 10.30pm, however that was never going to happen and soon we were flat out snoring!!!

This is such an "easy read" I am really enjoying your report.

Thanks Fiona, don't realise how much I'm writing until I see it up on the site!! It's good reliving it though!! Will finish final bit asap.

I only started writing trip reports in the last few years but wish I'd done it years ago. You definitely forget a lot and reading through reports brings back so many memories.
For all those with reports here- I hope you have saved them as we do tend to delete older threads from time to time( over 2 years old) and I would hate you all to lose the reports!

A brilliant report Leoness, can't wait for the next bit

AAWW... Ann and Paul you had a wee drink in molly malones and thought of me how nice.. ..some day we will be in goa at the same time and we will be at the meet up and have a drink .I would like that ...... :glynis...colleen

Sorry this has taken so long to finish but 2 days after my last posting my dad died, so things have been very difficult. Trying to get back to normal now though.

And finally"¦ .The final bit!!!

Up the next morning and Paul felt a bit queasy, must have been something he ate, so he said!! Decided to stay at the pool for an hour and have a swim before going to the beach. As we were having a coffee we were watching an Indian lady swimming fully clothed and remarked it must be difficult to swim like that. It was really hot so it didn't take long for us to go for a dip. Those of you who have met Paul will know he has a genetic skin condition that is not contagious, but he prefers to wear a vest as he finds it embarrassing. Before we go away we always check with the manager about the use of the hotel pool and it has always been Ok at the PP. We had been for a swim most days over this holiday as well and there had been no problems. Today as Paul got in the pool the pool man came and told him to take his tee shirt off. Paul explained that he had checked it with Mario the manager and it was Ok to wear it. The pool boy was insistent and stood by the side of the pool refusing to let Paul go any further into the pool. I went over and asked why and was told 'new rules'. I mentioned the Indian lady that morning and didn't get a reply. Other holiday makers were getting involved by now and telling Paul he had every right to use the pool and to take no notice, but he didn't want to cause any more fuss, so we got out. We agreed we'd go to the beach, but speak to Mario before we went.

I went up to get changed and collect the crème eggs we'd brought for the children as it was Easter Sunday and when I came down Paul said he'd spoken to the manager and he'd just said 'new rules, you cannot use the pool'. Paul said it wasn't Mario but another guy and it wasn't worth arguing over. I had a different view, however!!! I went in to see who I presume was the Deputy Manager and asked to see Mario. It was his day off. I tried to explain the situation but he wouldn't listen and was really off hand. I asked about the Indian lady and why that was different but he refused to answer, raising his voice presumably to intimidate me and saying 'It is the rule, it is the rule, I will not allow it' I tried to explain that Mario had agreed and that we had stayed here before. I also said that other guests had no problem with it, infact some of them were concerned that their young children were not allowed in the pool today with tee shirts on, so they had not been able to let them swim. This continued for a few minutes and it was obviously going nowhere so I said I would see Mario tomorrow. His response was very dismissive and he said 'Mr Mario says new rule' to which I replied 'We'll see about that tomorrow.'

We left then to go to the beach and had agreed the best place to give out the Easter eggs would be 'lice lane'. We gave a couple to the first children we saw and suddenly there were LOADS of children who seemed to appear from nowhere shouting 'Me, me, give to me'. The adults were just as bad with their hands out shouting 'What about me, I like chocolate, lady!' It was really difficult to try and be fair as some took them and hid one hand behind their backs to get another one!! Eventually we fought our way to the beach as we were being followed even when we had none left! Went to Ganesh shack and realised Billybluenose and Spike had already gone home, but GEC and his wife were still there on their last day. Stayed until 6ish but both of us felt quite unsettled, probably due to events this morning. Back to the hotel, without having a swim today, and got ready for tonights meet. On the way out one of the guests stopped us to say that around early evening a group of Indian ladies were in the pool fully clothed and rather than ask them to come out, the pool boy sat chatting to them!

Had a couple of drinks at the Havelli on the corner, listening to the live band, then off to Mai Thai. It was about 9pm by then and no-one had arrived. We hadn't eaten but didn't know what to order as we'd never eaten Thai before but decided to give it a go. The meal was absolutely fantastic! We had peanut satay scewers, spring rolls then chicken noodles and savoured every mouthful! We are going to Thailand at the end of the year and if the food is this good we will love it! Had a couple of drinks and a chat to Charlie. We left at about 11pm as no other HT's had turned up, but we were really glad we'd decided to eat there! Couldn't walk past The Pub on the way home, so stopped for a couple then back to the hotel.

The next day we were up early and down for breakfast for 9am. It was really busy so the usual scrum to get anything! A few people were complaining about it today! On the way back to the room the Deputy Manager came to us and said 'It is all Ok now, you do not need to see Mr Mario.' Whilst we felt he probably didn't want us to get him into any trouble, we felt we still needed to find if there was an issue, incase we stayed again. We went in to see Mario and were greeted with a big smile, a handshake and offer of a seat, all the exact opposite of yesterday!! Mario was charming as ever and very apologetic about yesterday and assured us there was no problem with using the pool. He said that the person responsible would be 'severely dealt with' We explained that wasn't our purpose, we just wanted to know for the future.

Off to the beach for a couple of hours to say our goodbye's then into Chocolatti for gorgeous coffees, cakes and ice cream! Had made an appointment for a pedicure opposite Ninos Nook, can't remember the name, so off to get my feet sorted before we go home! The pedicure, with leg and foot massage took one and a half hours and cost 540rps, including nail art!! Off to finish packing then out for the last evening. Before eating it was collect jewellery time! I collected my friends daughters ring, my new diamond and my newly cleaned eternity ring. I was really pleased with them all! We had handed in the safety deposit box so I had the pleasure of wearing them tonight and on the way home tomorrow!
Decided to go back to Mai Thai tonight, wished we had eaten there earlier in the holiday!! This time we ordered the prawns for starters, which were huge, and spring rolls. Paul opted for noodles again but I wanted to try a curry. Charlie was not on that night and none of the other waiters spoke very good English. I asked about which curry was milder, but communication wasn't good so I worked it out for myself, obviously red will be hot, so I'll order green!! Those of you familiar with Thai food will spot the mistake no doubt!! Far too hot for me and I couldn't eat it!! When the plates were cleared there was concern that I hadn't eaten my meal and the chef was called. He spoke some English so I explained it was my fault, they were all really apologetic and offered to cook something else, but as I'd helped Paul with his, so wasn't that hungry any more!
We wandered back to the Pub to say our goodbye's there and make plans with the couple from our flight for the taxi tomorrow. I was showing off my new diamond when I noticed a dark mark on my eternity ring, which on further inspection proved to be a missing stone!! I was really upset, it was midnight so Chandra's not open and we were due to leave early tomorrow! I was annoyed at myself for not leaving well alone, after all it had been fine for 24 years! I resigned myself to having to get it mended at home, despite the cost!

Last day. Up at 6.30, finished bits of packing, down at 7.15 for breakfast. There were plenty of people about! Do people really get up this early on holiday??!! Breakfast was fine, obviously we had not been getting up early enough! Said goodbye to everyone, then off to the airport. Huge queues when we arrived. I joined one, but Paul joined another which he assured me was shorter!! I doubted it, but eventually gave in as he wasn't for moving. Eventually all the other queues had closed, we were the last to check in and the air was blue!! I asked for window seats but of course there weren't any left. A porter standing next to the check in wanted £1 to move the case from the floor to the scales and was met with the same withering stare Paul was getting as I snarled 'I don't think so!' Paul went off to buy some duty free cigs, with comments of 'make sure you get in the best queue,' ignored!!
Finally boarded the plane and led to the middle row at the front with all the extra leg room! Apparently no-one had bought these seats so they were given to the last customers! As I said to Paul, 'I bet your glad you listened to me and stayed in that queue!!' Guess who got the withering look then! Very comfy flight home, usual top standard from First Choice.

In Conclusion:

Good bits: Favourite restaurants and shacks
The majority of the people
The weather
Cost of living
Meeting new people
Diamonds (I hope)!
First Choice flights

Not so good bits: State of the beach
Rubbish/Dirt everywhere
Some greedy locals
Some yobbish English people
Signs for English breakfast/Sunday dinner.

Do we still love it YES!
Will we return YES, however we may try the South for something
different.

Jewellery update! Just had both rings valued at Samuels.
Friends daughters 21st present, cost £300, valued
£1,100
My ring, cost £1,300, valued £5,000!!!!

Fantastic report Ann, so sorry to hear about your Dad, Tony.

Wonderful report , really enjoted it , I am very sorry to hear about your Dad, love shirley

sorry to hear about your dad. You have had quite a traumatic time. Thanks for taking the time to finish your holiday report.

Anne and Paul, enjoyed your report very much. So sorry to hear about your dad x