Today is probably the most relaxing day of our trip. We all wandered down to the beach and walked along the sands, passing vendors and food shacks along the way until we arrived at the one recommended to us.
We ate well there, although it was a very expensive lunch by Indian standards, but still a good value, as we shared a large crab, giant prawns, and sea bass.
We then strolled back and off the vendors without hassles, since they're apparently under government regulation not to harass tourists.
Tomorrow we'll be leaving here at 5:00 a.m. to catch a 7:00 a.m. flight. If all goes well we'll be back at our hotel, again the Hilton Janakpuri, by early afternoon. We've learned not to take anything for granted though. We've found out that the flimsy boarding passes Ellyn and Haley held for our ongoing flight BOM-GOI the other day are not acceptable to security, requiring them to go back to a service counter for a stamp. Brian also found out that a fresh new luggage tag was required by Mumbai security for the second leg after the security employee ceremoniously ripped off the original one. It's a different experience traveling here and every trip appears to be some sort of adventure, at least for us.
The old Portuguese mansion that is our hotel, Vivenda dos Palhacos or The House of Clowns.
Goa is extremely clean compared to other places we've visited so far, being closer to Mexican standards, to give one example. It's still not exactly pristine in spots.
The beach itself is lovely, and it proved to be a great spot to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.
The fish is fresh, very fresh.
We'll pass on the shark, thank you.
Excellent seafood and a beautifully breezy day that isn't too hot for us. We make our selections and dine well.
That should hold us nicely until dinner, which will be followed by an early bedtime and a ghastly 5:00 a.m. drive to the airport and our return flights to Delhi.
Kathy and Brian
Two retired educators alternating joyfully between seeing the world and enjoying our eight grandchildren (in order of birth), Jake, Avery, Taegan, Lily, Peyton, Riley, Blane, and Jace.
Kathy and Brian met in the clarinet section of the University of California (Santa Barbara) Symphony Orchestra several decades ago.
Brian's Western Canadian roots and Kathy's Colorado ties resulted in their making beautiful music together along with producing a cross-border crop of descendants.
Kathy spent a year studying in Vienna at the Institute for European Studies and the University of Vienna.
Brian started the school band program in Hope, British Columbia, and later became the high school's vice-principal for 6 years and subsequently principal for 15 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy, in between raising our three children, taught kindergarten and first grade, middle school, and high school - mathematics, computer studies, ESL, and her first love, band, before retiring in 2001.
We enjoy sharing our travel experiences and providing the odd travel tip to friends, relatives, and visitors.