Incredible - II (Goa)

Goa State, India

As other colonial powers once did, Portugal carved out a small (tiny) area on the west coast of India, some 300+ years ago, and they stayed, and controlled the place, until in 1961 the Indian Government let them know that times had changed, and it was time for them to go. 

 

The hotel we stayed in was a nice beach-side resort area, full of palm trees, scattered bungalows, and flowers.

 



Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Just up the beach there are remains of old Portuguese ports and defenses.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Funny, didn't see one shore-bird.  Not one.  The main birds were these crows (eager to swoop in at the restaurant and steal some kids nan...)



Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

 The view from our rooms...



Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Sun sinking into the Arabian Sea...

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Sitting cliff-side at dinner, in an uncrowded, open-air bar. 
Warm, humid, but only the surf noise and a little back-ground music. 
Very nice.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

 
Sun coming up on Sunday...


Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

 

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

This little guy was only about 1/3 the size of a "Houston-squirrel" and made a funny little "chirp" as he was fussing at me, sounding more like a small bird than a squirrel.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

This is the office for the hotel facility.  Note that as you look through the windows, there are no windows, no window frames, nothing.  The offices are full-time open-air, no windows, no doors, 24 x 7 x 365.  I had a little panic as we got out of the cab on arrival, stepped into such humidity that my glasses fogged over.  Then noticing the open-air offices I hoped the rooms were not also open-air, fearful I would die of "humidity poisoning" as truly it was more sultry that I have experienced anyplace else.  But no worries, AC's were quite effective, and the rooms were great.



Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Three couples hanging out and partying on the deck above the beach, and the sun sets again.

 

I sometimes say "cool place", but in this case the warmth and humidity make that a bit difficult.  :-)

Most Europeans visit Goa during their winter months, and so they must enjoy the contrast between warm humidity and their own ice and snow.

 

So, if you are in Mumbai, Goa is an easy reach on a 45 min flight.  Pop down and try it, for still another side of India.

 

Y'all take care,

-Mark

Vivanta by Taj Holiday Village, North Goa

Dando, Candolim
Bardez
Goa - 403 515,  India

Tel: +91 832 664 5858  
www.vivantabytaj.com