Goan’ Fishing
Week five and it’s hard to believe that we’re still in the same country that presented us with dirty streets, suffocating pollution, shady individuals and all manner of other terrifying things in our first few days. Alas, we are still here, just about hanging on in this sensory explosion of a country they call India, but this week has been a dream.
We’ve spent this week relaxing and unwinding in the company of the lush palm trees and endless greenery of South Goa, home to some of the country’s finest golden sandy beaches and delicious seafood – I mean, we did promise to explore EVERY side that India has to offer and so we decided to treat ourselves to a bit of luxury. If you hadn’t already gathered, food plays a big part in our experiences of a place and after two weeks of being almost exclusively vegetarian, we immediately opted for the tastiest grilled masala fish and freshest salad the menu had to offer. Sorry vegetarians, but you really don’t know what you’re missing!
Of course, we know that fish isn’t born perfectly spiced and presented on a plate, and so early one morning we set out on an actual fishing trip. No, we didn’t use fishing rods, nor the local method of fishing nets, but instead were given an insight into the traditional way, which consisted of a bit of prawn hooked precariously onto the end of a fishing line, which was wrapped around an old plastic bottle. I was sceptical at first – I mean how effective was this going to be? I did have big hopes of catching a decently sized kingfish for our dinner that night. But I persevered nonetheless, optimistic that it would only be a matter of a few minutes until I caught the big one. Or ANY one. Would it help if I seasoned the prawn with a bit of masala, for a tastier offering? An hour later, my hopes faded to nothing and I eventually gave up. Fishing is not for the patiently challenged and I am far more content when someone else does it for me.
In stark contrast to the beautiful south, we’re finishing up our Goan experience in the north, home to beaches lined with thumping alcohol-fuelled parties raving long into the night, bright neon lights flooding the otherwise perfect beaches. Strolling down the raviest of them all, Baga Beach, it was rather surreal standing at one end and witnessing the long hellish stretch ahead of us disappearing into the distance, the crowds, the madness, bottles flying everywhere and drunk Indian males scampering into the sea with nothing but the darkness to cover their modesty. “Where am I?” I asked myself, as I weaved amongst the stray dogs and semi-conscious men littering the path ahead of me, a stark reminder of a party holiday in Zante I went on when I was eighteen (which was just as classy). Needless to say it was an experience, but we’ve booked our ticket out of here a day early, because I’ve subjected my eyes to more than they can handle.
It’s bittersweet to know that we’ve only got one week left in India, but we’ll be heading to Mumbai tomorrow and hope it will offer up more stories to you next week.
Much Love,
The Resignated Survivors
Highlight of the Week: a bit superficial, I know, but staying in a five-star hotel after weeks of “roughing” it was bliss.
Other Notable Things: Witnessing, with bemusement, an actual herd of cows crossing the beach. Not what you’d immediately expect to see whilst you’re sunbathing in paradise. Cows reign supreme in EVERY part of India it seems.
Lessons Learned: We’ve become very comfortable with being in our thirties and are happy to accept that we’re too old for crazy beach parties and would much prefer to listen to some live music with a nice glass of wine before retiring to bed before midnight.
Amazing week spent with you both. You have captured our week in Goa to a tee. Missing you already.enjoy the rest if your stay in India and safe flying to your next destination.Brilliant photos ??
Mum xxx
Week 5 already!! Time flys when you’re having fun! Amazing post guys and photos are awesome!! Keep them coming!
You deserve the luxury break! Another great post as usual. Looking forward to hearing about the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. Big hugs to you both x
Another great read! Glad I also got to see you both and and share some sun. Keep on Goan, you’re not missing anything but cold weather here xxx
Sounds like you guys needed this bit of luxury and relaxation from the previous posts. Now get ready for the busy city of Mumbai, it’s really mad. If you get time on Sunday go by Amitabh Bachchan’s house and catch a glimpse along with all the other 1000’s that go to see him every week.
Excellent read. Just bought back the happy memories of last week. Enjoy your time in India. Missing you already and have a safe flight to your next destination (mind how you go !). Brilliant photos Dipesh xxx
Great post guys! Looking forward to the next one from Mumbai!
A little bit of late night reading on Sunday before the rat race tomorrow. Retiring with my memories of South India and your fun pictures. Those Monday morning blues banished for now…they’ll be back in 6 hours.
Mumbai is going to be a sensory overload, capture it if you can. Enjoy and be safe the both of you.
Thanks for sharing..