Yes GeeDubya just a 'wee' dram after all I only drink to be socialable

Saturday 10 Feb - Was pleasantly surprised to see that breakfast had vastly improved at the MD. Still not great, but compared to how it had previously been it was almost like a luxury buffet ( sorry slight exaggeration!!!) It was self service now, like most other hotels, so no more uncooked un-boiled eggs. Was good to see it was Nescafe and tetley tea bags. Only one large toaster, could be doing with two, butter, marmalade and mixed fruit jam to accompany the toast. In the keepy warm things they had beans, french toast, scrambled eggs and boiled eggs and sometimes omelletes. However they did have a separate bit to go and get your own personal omellete made (WOW!). You could also order fresh fruit platters, cost about 40-70 rupees for those.
We went down to the Oceanic as normal had a laze about in the sun. Went off to the local internet cafe (goan style ) to check out the laundry places in Baga. Found one called Vell Wash on the main Baga to Calangute Road, it was recommended in the forum by Rob of CWT. Got our taxi driver to take us along and I left 11 items of clothing with Mr Vell Wash. I dont know how he knows what washing belongs to which person hes got bags of clothes everywhere!!! Laundry closed on a Sunday so he asked us to come back Monday and collect our nice squeaky clean clothes (hopefully)
In the evening we went along to Mackies Market to see one of our friends, Sangeeta, who has a stall there. She used to have a stall just passed Mo-Jos (on the opposite side of the road) and on our first visit to Goa we were walking past and she called us over to come look at 'my cheap rubbish' (her words, not ours!) She has 3 girls aged 7, 6 and 5 and more recently a little boy of 1 1/2 years. Her husband doesnt work and she probably struggles, but does her best by sending the girls to school etc anyway I had taken her over some clothes for the kids. Some stuff almost brand new which used to belong to my sisters two children (girl 9 and boy 4). I gave her two outfits for each of them, she was so pleased, pleading with me to take something for free from her stall (but ive already got enough cheap rubbish accumulated from Goa over the years thank you very much )
After our visit to the market we went along to J&As Italian restaurant as it was getting later and the restaurant is near the hotel and the market. Because it was late they had ran out of a few starters, they had no bread etc, but we still had a nice meal. I ordered a starter, chicken livers, I nearly died when it came - I hate liver!!!! I thought it was chicken liver pate. The waiter was really concerned cos I hadnt eaten my starter, I explained it was my fault as I had ordered the wrong thing. When the bill came he hadnt charged us for the chicken liver, I thought that was quite a nice gesture. So one starter and 2 main meals with soft drinks and an rum coffee (absolutely gorgeous) cost 1160 rps.

Sunday 11 Feb - A very lazy Sunday. Sat the Oceanic all day, sunbathing and relaxing, why cant I win the lottery and be able to do this all the time !!!!! its so unfair. We decided to go for our evening meal a little earlier tonight because we wanted to go along to Mai Thai and meet the other HTers. As Mai Thai is in Candolim we thought we would head in that general direction for our meal. Another place we had never tried before was Cactus Shepherds Pie so thats where we went. Two portions of chicken pakora, a chicken xacutti (not as nice as Bernards) with rice and nan, shepherds pie (what else!!) and soft and alcoholic drinks cost 570 rupees. The meal was very nice, shepherds pie very tasty and excellent price for the grub and drinkies.
Headed along to Mai Thai about 9sh. Met up with Linb, Shermina Mr & Mrs Samtheboater, Gooner Fan and pilot pal. Had a great time, a really good laugh. Arranged to phone Shermina to arrange a visit to the Mango House and deliver the items we had brought for the children.
Time to head back to the hotel for some heavy zzzzzzzzzzs after another exhausting day in Goa

you are doing well Gemma

Was a pleasure to meet you Gemma33 and MrG, hope to meet you again next year
Alan

MMMMMM them chicken Pakoras are gorgious

Loved the reference to Sengita, I know her well Really lovely lady, always asks how long your staying and trys to get you to part with your cash on the last day

Met her on our first visit to Goa 5 years ago, when I took a ride on an elephant beside her 'shop'.

Was lovely to meet you as well Alan and glad youre back safely. Hope you enjoyed your night at the casino?
Miccie did you know Sangeeta now works at Palolim beach and lives in Margoa. She still comes up for the market on a Saturday. I will take her more stuff for the kids when we go in April.

I am exhausted Fiona and to think I need to do all this again in April Ive still got my hotel review to do and upload the photos as well. What a life!

The casino was good as always (got home 6am ) Have now got the post Goa blues. Roll on next year

6am decided to have an early night then
Glad you enjoyed it tho.
I know what you mean about being home, its not nice. Just need to start planning for next year now. See you at Lazy Days and Mai Thai

My mate loved Goa too, 1st timer and another convert

Thats brill, hope to see him next year as well. Will he be staying at his posh hotel again You cant hide money!

Will drag him down to my level if it kills me

what a great report and smashing meeting you both Gemma, there was so mnay of us it was difficult to chat much to everyone individually but great fun, and I agree with Gooner fan you are quieter in the flesh! but you know what they say you gotta watch the quiet ones
chilly

Very true Chilly, See you in April.

No trip report today, having a day off, its the weekend

Gemma, I didn't know that Sengita had moved, when we were there over Christmas and the New Year she was living near Sun Village. Wonder why she's moved, I shall have to ask her when I there at the end of March - will definately go and see her at Maccies, thanks for the info.

Hi Miccie she says she moved away because she didnt have her little stall (just up from MoJos) anymore. The rent had gone up to 1500 rupees per month and it was too expensive for her. You will definitely see her at the market tho, she is at the exact same spot. She loves folk coming to see her, she will be so glad to see you.

Stop gassing woman, get on with your report......

Gooner Fan!!!! the weekend is my time for erm no sorry I mean relaxing I will do some again tomorrow. I dont want to bore everyone too much!!
Ahem .... and where is your trip report Gooner Fan