In the past, I have been a regular Goan visitor, and next month, for the first time in a decade, I will be returning and cant wait to see the changes, if any. In the 90's the internet was in its relative infancy and boards such as this and others like it were only just getting off the ground. I have been devouring them for the last few weeks to try and build an uptodate feel for the place. Amongst all the advice, jokes, bonhomie and love of the place though was some really dangerous advice.
Here are 3 comments in a thread about malaria.(I paraphrase)
1. My doctor says I dont need anti malarial treatment for Goa.
2. We usually buy tablets locally as soon as we arrive and start treatment on our first morning.
and my favourite, not only for intense stupidity but also its hippy dippy sub message:-
3. I swear by a homeopathic treatment that ever so easy to take. We've never had any trouble with malaria.
Well 1. is plain wrong, 2. forgets that the drug must be in your system already to work, and 3. reminds me of the old joke ( two people walking in London. 'what is that pendant you are wearing', 'its a lucky charm designed to protect me against tigers', Does it work?...brilliantly, I've been here 10 years and not seen one)
Now to be fair, all of these were rapidly shot down in flames by eagle eyed readers who took the trouble to reply. This is what discussion boards do; toss ideas and statements out and see what happens.
So please read and accept comments left with a pinch of salt (non homeopathically, of course) and realise that all threads might contain advice or suggestions that are just plain wrong.
On a lighter note, what do readers think I will notice first as the biggest change since the 90's. I will be in Calangute.