Goa and Happy Indian Goddess

I had a chance to spend a month in the most laid back, chilled out and happy place in the country - Goa. This is was a planned trip and involved gala time with family( duh! because going goa with friends just too mainstream) , great sibling talks and lots of time alone. Long walks, pouring rain and yummy in my tummy could always be taken for granted.

Since it was a long trip, I will be covering it in subsequent posts. So stay in touch.
Boarding the bus from Chandigarh, 6 of us comprising my parents, uncles and aunts over enthusiastic about the journey and filled upto brim with food reached Karnal. But as succumbed by habit we decided to hog on more and nullify with fresh juice at state government’s tourism hotel. Reaching Dilli the bus took us through major areas of Dilli giving us a peek into the houses of MPs and IAS and all important people, making me see these places with greedy eyes.
Reaching Dilli airport, we were joined by one more uncle and aunt and whenever all of us get together what do we do ?? Yes, we eat. So we had our lunch and Boarded the flight to GO GOA.
With my ears fuelling on Dil Chahta Hai and eyes trying to avoid an extra mushy honeymoon couple, we reached Goa midst tiny drops of rain. Welcomed by my brother, with hugs and ashirwaads flowing in the air, we reached from airport to a resort (GInger**) in Anjuna, North Goa.
General Knowledge Fact 1 : Goa has 3 parts : North Goa, Central Goa and South Goa. Duh !! :P

Day 1
It was a sunday morning and all of us excited to be around sea, grabbed our first chance to go the beach. We reached Anjuna in morning. The beach was surrounded by shacks and most of them were closed June being an off season. But the breathtaking sea was enough to create all the chaos and hustle bustle. Vast sea till the horizon and gushing water touching your feet in the most tender way was a humbling feeling. Despite the magnificent power and force, the tenderness with which the sea wave embraced was soothing. Untouched breeze and gushing wave sound caressed my soul. To add up to the pleasure, a perfect morning tea and warm bhutta was just the icing on cake.
A long walk on the beach, with my feet grooving to the music of “ Ye tumhari meri baaten” my morning beach ritual was over. Reaching back to the resort, all of us jumped into the pool to get rid of our salty sandy skins and emerged new all dressed up and ready for our next stop.
We reached Panajim, in the scorching sunday sun. A futile walk along the river Mandovi was only made fulfilling by filling our tummies with Ice- creams. Walking further down south, we reached Kala Academy and had the most amazing tea, samosas, vadas and cakes. With the view of Mandovi in front and fresh breeze we relaxed, heaved and sighed to the sound of water.
Having our energy renewed we were ready to sing and dance to the Goan tunes. A ferry ride on the river Mandovi was just what was needed. Boarding the boat, subtle air and great music. I was prompted to sing to Kareoke and all of a sudden became the star on the deck. Traditional Goan dances and music for all Generes were played to gel up all the audiences. The ride reached it’s crescendo with the chants of CHAMPION. To me it is the catchiest song in the universe.

Day 2
This day again started with our lust for sea and we reached Maradone beach only to find black sand, infinite salty water and no permission to take a dip. A long walk on the beach was suffice for me to collect enough sea shells , make a necklace and go all Amisha Patel from Kaho Na Piyaar Hai.
Boiling with hunger to take a dip in sea, we reached Arambole. Gentle sea waves, wind and Firangs were enough to pop us senses and we dived deep into water. The taste of extra salty water and our burmuda pockets filling with sand could not dampen our spirit to be around water. Satisfied with our sea hunger, the actual hunger was taken care of by a nearby shack. With yummy in our tummy,we headed home.
Day  3

This was an adventure filled day. We bid our farewell to North Goa and reached Velha Goa (Old Goa) to witness the majestic churches of Saint Xavier’s Frances and Bon Jesus. (I will be covering more of the church visit in the subsequent post). Humbled and grateful we started our journey southwards and first towards Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
Bored now of engulfing quintals of sea water the thought of fresh water is encouraging. Reaching there, we headed to our Gypsies which then took us to the middle of a Jungle. With in the “Jungle Mighty Jungle” playing in my head and fantasy of being on Man vs Wild we reached a checkpoint. From here we trekked for the next 15 minutes to reach the falls.
Sound of water gushing, surrounded by greenery and a natural pond just waiting for us to take a dip was enough to evoke my Cancerian Spirits. Dipping a feet in the cold fresh water was enough to send shivers down my spine but as the destiny had it. Pouring rain spoiled my reverie of being in water and we rushed back to the gypsies and reached Palolem South Goa.


Day 4
This day was meant to relax. So we relaxed. Staying at Beach House Resort like literally, a constant view of sea and the affirmation that we can go in anytime was fulfilling. This day too the rain dint leave us. But all of this was really laid back and it seemed that even the raindrops were in no hurry to drop. Taking a long walk across a beach in rain, we reached a Jetty which then tok all of us in a boat to just chill around and enjoy the nature. Midst singing old songs, joy and laughter our trip came to an end.

However, I stayed for 15 more days in this small state. I’ll be sharing more on that later. But these were the places I majorly went to. Goa is the most chilled out and relaxed place.Even the dogs seem to be having so much fun. Coming from the hustle bustle of Punjab, it had comforting rhythm to it.
Chalo theek hai fir.
Tata.

image source: Goa-beach.jpg