yes Lozza he is open I spent many nice days at Lawrencio's in the last few weeks I have been going to that shack for a few years now always have a super day there ....colleen

Shack building is proceeding steadily but without the expected rush after the licences were granted.

It's difficult to tell who is where just by walking past as there is a curious lack of name boards so far. The big players seem to have got licences though and are building in their usual locations...... which makes you wonder if anything has actually changed.

Food and service were still pretty good though despite the lack of facilities.

Does anyone know if The Oceanic shack is in it's usual place on Baga Beach please ?

Got back early this morning and shacks were slowly going up all week.

Big Banana started building on Sunday, and as has been said Francis wasn't sure if he'd have to move or not but by Thursday they were almost done ecept for the loo and shower. Bobby's and Boscos either side were nowehere near finished. Prices have gone up in Big banana anywhere from 5 to 20 rupees.

Didn't walk up to Baga this year but walked down to Candolim..... quite a few shacks further down were up and running but they seem even further from the beach this year. None of the ones either side of the steps were completed and on Thursday afternoon there was a VERY heated discussion going on with about 5 police at one of them....

It's almost made it a 4 month season this year and whilst it didn't affect my few days in Goa (other things did...mainly tattoo shops and very loud drunk eastern people) I find it very sad for all those that work and run the shacks, and also the beach sellers....fruit, nails etc. It was definitely quieter on the beach till about the Wednesday..

celcat,

Despite all our complaints about too many shacks, beggars, sellers, etc I find myself feeling sympathy that this year their season is so much shorter.

On the other hand this means prices go up across the board to compensate.

It seems as usual the only people who benefit are the officials who get the bribes.

Very sad for all concerned.

Papa

Hi Colleen!! Thanks for the reply, great news... I never really see Lawrencio's mentioned on here.... we spent most of March 2007 & 08 at this shack they always looked after us, lovely food, and a good location from the hotel we use (Silversands).... Can't wait for March 2010!

I know this is a bit late but here are some photos of Calangute beach at the end of November.Some shack owners getting brave and starting to build others not bothering.

Not the best quality as I am no photographer.

Hope the link works.

Papa

http://s797.photobucket.com/albums/yy252/papa2103/Calangute%20beach%20without%20the%20shacks/

Brilliant photo's Papa!! Thank You!! We always go January and February when it is quite busy. I quite fancy going in November, it looks a lot quieter! Second thoughts, l love my Goa ANYTIME!!

....how's the beach shacks coming along then since the allocations were sorted?

we fly out on the 28th so hoping there'll be plenty of shacks up

papa your photos are excellent-really enjoyed them the beach looks so different without the shacks, thanks again

yes I actually loved it when it was like this, the pics capture it perfectly papa, really beautiful ... and i am still enjoying it when i go to the beach now they are up, ...although the name signs of many appear missing still!! ... a lot in candolim trying to charge for beds, a lot free too if you look ... its been a bad season for them.

The sea this week was amazingly calm candolim end, i couldnt believe it even though there was quite a wind which was blowing the sunshades into the water!! ......we just floated and swam in the sea for hours... no big monster waves as usual wish it was alawys like that
the HT meet was lovely tonight too at the carvery ...loads of us there . sorry !! off to the other thread!!
chilly

Glad you enjoyed the photos.

Papa

Times going on, before we know it Nov.will be here, and the start of another season. Anyone out there had any news of how they are going to handle the shack licence and allotment this year ?. Year on year it just gets worse and worse. We arrive on the 26 th Nov, keepng our fingers crossed that at least they will be building by then, with some sunbeds out, but expecting the worst.
Alan

There was a news item about it on Goan Voice on Monday, which indicated there should be an improvement this season. I think it's still there you could have a look

x x lassi

There is a bit in the Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Draw-of-lots-to-decide-shack-allotment-for-this-season/articleshow/6317043.cms

Well at least that sounds promising,lets see if it happens, Lottery draw in September

Believe it when I see it.

Papa

a bit but interesting!!

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Excise-dept-cancels-alcohol-sale-licences-of-5-restaurants/articleshow/6328383.cms

when i arrive on 3rd October i shall ask Anthony from arabian Knights shack what stage they are upto !!!!!!! and when i get back on my feet in mid October i shall do some more digging see what else turns up ?????.

Mike