Goa is a southern state in India, so very different from the rest of the country. Beaches to laze days away, parties every night, with a lot of mindless tourists and the usual suspects in the mix.
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A small state, with at least 8 popular beaches. A few of these beaches are now exclusive to holiday makers from europe who happily stay in monstorous Hiltonesqe resorts, secluded from the the day to day life of the very indians whose country it is they are getting pink and fat in. There are markets, endless cafes and resturants, various beaches in all states of niceness, plenty of cows, dogs, pigs and crows, and maybe a monkey here and there, though only if you venture out from the tourist enclaves. The goan people are amazing, always happy and excited to meet different people, especially the young. The food is great, though most westerners prefer to eat steaks at every possible chance, as it is readily available here, unlike most of the rest of India.
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Favourite spots: |
I was in Arambol, Anjuna, Chapora, Vagator, Baga, Calangute, Panaji City, Palolem and surrounds. Palolem was definately a favourite, the beach was still cleanish, at least there wasn't abarrage of plastic every time a wave washed over me, and the garbage dump was at the far end of the beach, almost out of sight. There was a fantastic cafe/massage center, the blue moon, its run by an Ausralian. He is a western medicine doctor, an ayurvedic doctor and a TCM doctor. I got acupunture and massage, it was really amazing. The cafe serves organic, vegie food. Very fresh and lovingly prepared. There were some nice bushwalks to do around the area too.
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What's really great: |
The local people, people watching and the sun!! It was hilarious watching mostly english and german girls take off their bikini tops and sunbake and swim, while the indian men all around would stare and stare then slink away holding their pants, with a sexy picture of white bodies firmly imprinted in their memories. I also really loved the little baby pigs families. sooo cute!! I loved doing nothing much for about two weeks, no worries, just eating, talking, beaching and sleeping.
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Accommodations: |
I didn't sleep in Anjuna guesthouses, as I had a friend living there in a big old house, replete with snake on rafters and a few weirdos on LSD. All the guesthouses are pretty much the same. I'd recommend Bean Me Up Soya Station, away from the noise. In palolem, the places are all the same, the buddha bar is nice. In arambol, the cliffside chalets have a great view.
Baga, Calungute etc only for the package tourists......not me!!!
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Nightlife: |
The party scene is pretty much over in anjuna, but there is still a party every night at the Paradiso.
Everywhere else i was there is really a club.
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Hangouts: |
all the same.
Cafe del mar and buddha bar in palolem
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Restaurants: |
Bean me up soya station. The vegie, organic places have the best food, i can't remember all names but regardless of where i ate in every one all he time. its much more exepnsive than most, but worth it
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Published on Tuesday January 3th, 2006
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Thu, Oct 12 2006 - 04:53 AM
by marianne
Julia,
Nice to read. Would even be better with some photos |
Wed, Jan 04 2006 - 11:58 PM
by ravinderkumarsi
Wed, Jan 04 2006 - 10:14 PM
by eirekay
Wow-8 Cities - how long were you there? I would love to read your impressions of the Indians that you met.
Eire |
Wed, Jan 04 2006 - 11:08 AM
by rangutan
(three-and-a-half stars)
Honest report on weird tourists, hope a picture or two of it's natural beauty can follow. Rudi |
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