Hey.
First of all, ‘how you doin?’ (hear it in Joey’s voice).
It’s been over two weeks since I wrote my last blog and honestly, I’ve been slacking.
And having fun meanwhile.
But as the popular saying goes, ‘Not all fun lasts forever’.
About this time last week, me and my friends were shooting vodka shots down our throats in a famous nightclub at Goa (supposedly also the best in town).
And cut to present: I’m back to working non-stop like usual.
But as I bask in the hangover of a much-needed vacay, I also am refreshed, recharged and mildly doubting that my productivity has shot up a notch (which surprises me).
And here I present to you the ten commandments (or lessons, if you will) that the gods of frolic – residency, Goa- gave me engraved in two sacred tablets.
You shall abide by them when you’re on your next trip to Goa.
Commandment #1 – Thou shalt drink not more but less
Bummer, right? Limiting your ‘spirited’ intakes to the minimum will make sure you’re not experiencing a slump during your vacay. Soak in the place instead. More about that in the following commandments.
Commandment #2 – Thou shalt wear shades, hat and SPF
The time I visited Goa, it was extremely humid and hot. And I hate hot and humid places. But it’s Goa. So I kept up the good fight with the sun by wearing shades, a hat and some SPF stolen from my skin-conscious friend. Plus like in the film ‘Free Guy’, shades make you look cool. So…
Commandment #3 – Thou shalt get a friend who clicks good pics of you
It happens every single time. The most beautiful of all places. You take rock solid vogue-worthy pictures of your friends. But you’re left with groggy, shaky, pics that look like they were taken by a chimp (no offence, animal lovers). So, get a friend who clicks good if you’re into vacation vanity like me.
Commandment #4 – Thou shalt rent a scooter
Yes, you can rent bikes and cars. But specifically, rent a scooter. It helps you vroom through traffic and almost any terrain. It also ‘officially’ makes you a tourister in Goa. Cars are claustrophobic. It’s like you’re there but not really there because of the enclosed space.
Commandment #5 – Thou shalt eat lip-smackingly good food
Goa is notorious for high-priced cafes that operate to attract outsiders. But the real fun is in the unexplored, often not visited small restaurants and eateries by the roadsides. They serve food that is more ‘authentically’ Goan than many well-established restaurants.
My recommendation: A small eatery run by a Rajasthani chap in Betim road serves amazing pao. I forgot the name but could guide you exactly. Did you know ‘Pao’ meant bread originally in Portuguese?
Some exceptions to the rule: Café Bodega( a quaint pretty place with great burgers and sandwiches, which came highly recommended by a friend and was worth it), Spotty’s Shack in Candolim beach.
Avoid Kung Fook in Anjuna.
Commandment #6 – Thou shalt explore beautiful beaches
Goa is filled with beaches. Crowded ones with shacks where waiters and tattoo artists are trying to hustle. And peaceful ones with great sunset views. Visit both kinds. Usually the beaches spread across Candolim, Calangute, Baga are bustling with touristy vibes. The beach fronts in Anjuna (like the Vagator) are peaceful getaways. Catching sunsets at these beaches makes one wonder why one is single amidst many other things.
Commandment #7- Thou shalt explore forts and churches
Goa has a rich history of Portuguese influence in her forts and churches. Every single one of them is an architectural marvel. Visit them without fail. Reis Magos fort is splendid (the stone slopes get slippery, so wear a good pair of grippy shoes or go barefoot). The Chapora fort also begs a ‘must-visit’ badge. Our bunch is crazy. We went beyond the fort and climbed down a steep hill to the Vagator beach line. It’s risky. But if you could do it, it’s worth it.
Commandment #8 – Thou shalt know Goa for what it really is
Goa is not just beaches and booze. It’s culture, it’s art and it’s people. Visiting the Museum of Goa will help you get an idea of what Goa was originally and how modernism has impacted her. Plus, I walked out of the museum with 2 extra IQ points. So there you go.
Goa’s identity is incomplete without her fishermen. The best time to see the fishermen at work is in the early mornings. The ones at Coco beach were really friendly and by talking to them you’re in reality talking to Goa.
Another place I wanted to explore was Arambol’s hippie community, but I missed it due to some unforeseen changes in our plans. But visiting the place and interacting with the people who were the early adapters of the ‘counter culture’ should be definitely interesting.
Commandment #9 – Thou shalt find a good place to stay
Especially if you’re planning a workation. Make sure the place has good wifi connection. I had fun watching my friends struggling to find the ‘best spot for internet’ in the flat during their office calls. We stayed at Alor Grande, near Candolim. Worth the bucks spent except for the weak wifi.
Commandment #10 – Thou shalt do other stuff too
Clearly my blog will not find a place in Lonely Planet or the National Geographic’s Traveller. I’ve missed a lot like the ferry to Charao Island, Butterfly Beach in South Goa etc. But it’s up to you to make the most of what Goa has to offer. Most of them may not be listed on Google. Like the abandoned ships near the St.Jacinto Bridge on the way to Vasco or the Ozran beach's carved stones leading up to the shore.
When you open up to the place, the place opens up to you. It happened to me a lot. A lot. Hope it happens to you too.
Next'uh? Rest'uh.
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