We took a day trip out to one of the islands off the Goan coast and then we were taken to the boats which were moored ‘up the creek’.
We were supplied with all the food and drink we wanted so James started the day off with a very fine rum watered down with coke.
After an hour and a half motoring, seeing dolphins on the way, we anchored off the island to do a bit of fishing. we were supplied with lines and bait and it wasn’t long before Doug caught a rather nice example of marine life. All the fish that were caught were carefully unhooked and released.
After an hour’s fishing the boat moved round to the opposite side of the island were we could enjoy some swimming and snorkelling around the rocks …………
……. and, of course, there’s always a “monster from the deep” in any fishy tale!
We got on very well with a charming young German couple, Luana and Jacko, who were taking some time out and seeing some of the world.
Another short trip to another small island ……….
…….. where we all enjoyed a beach BBQ (and more drinks!) and it was here that we met up with three lads from Delhi way. We originally were shown onto the boat they were on but then moved to another which we were a little disappointed about as that one was going to be the “fun” boat. Anyway, separation from the them didn’t last long as we all joined up for the BBQ.
After an absolutely brilliant day we made the journey back to base.
That same evening, after the boat trip, we met up again with the Delhi lads for a meal at one of the beach shacks. About to start our meal – Rahul, James, Doug, Ujjwal and Ruchit.
After our meal we all went off down the beach to Stringfellows Shack to catch up with Luana and Jacko for a party!
Rahul gave James a few lessons in Indian dancing and Bollywood moves!
Thursday was an “off” day for James so Doug went on his own to meet up with Julroy in Old Goa for the Festival of St Francis Xavier.
It was a huge event with thousands of people taking mass …….. and market stalls selling just about everything you could think of!
….. both inside and outside the “new” church.
This is the new church ………
……. and this is the old one.
Doug was shown around, and had the architecture and history explained ……
…….. by the ever attentive, and marvellous host, Julroy.
After being shown around Old Goa by Julroy, he and Doug joined the family of Nikson (who we’d met at the wedding) for a wonderful picnic in a beautiful park near Panjim.
Nikson, Ashvil and Julroy relaxing in the park.
An interesting photo, not just for the chaos in Candolim high street but because it shows how you by fuel. Discarded water bottles are filled with petrol and placed on stools outside shops! You buy one (or two) and fill up your scooter – and nobody even thinks about stealing them from the stools.
These lovely old Banyan trees offer shade from the scorching sun and looking fabulous at the same time.
On our last day (Saturday) we went on the bus to Marpusa about 30 kilometres from Candolim to meet up with friends Dev and Rajaa. Marpusa has a vast market every day of the week – Friday being the busiest day with twice as much as we saw on the day we went.
The following pics just speak for themselves with all the fruit, vegetables, fish and meat in huge quantities and freshly placed in perfect order every day.
After a wonderful tour around the market Dev and Rajaa took us for lunch at one of their favourite local restaurants ……….
…….. and after that we caught the bus back to Candolim! Yes, this is the bus and yes, it did get us back home!
And Doug got a special seat at the front!
Well, that’s our three weeks in Goa. It was much, much more than we could ever have imagined it to be. Crazy, bizarre, special and so very easy to fall in love with. We expected the people to be friendly, kind and considerate but we were blown away by their sincerity and approach to us as their guests and we’ve made plans to return to this amazing place and it’s people.
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