Go on, one more

Most of the beach shacks and restaurants I experienced in Agonda where staffed by Nepalese seasonal workers, who travel down to Goa from Nepal to work the 8 month season each year. By either a strange twist of fate, or, more rightly supply and demand. This benefited me with both friendly Nepalese waiters and the…

Fat, lazy days

In Agonda I sat and enjoyed my breakfast each day at the hotel restaurant, a fact greatly enhanced by its hillside elevation, back from the beach and nestled in the small hills overlooking the right hand side of the beach. With a view out over the small river, the golden sands changing as the tides…

Agonda

Agonda is perhaps my favourite beach from this Goan break, smaller than Callungute with rocky headlands flanking the small bay, it took perhaps an hour to walk from one to the other. Behind the initial row of beach shacks and small sympathetic low rise resorts was a small row of shops, providing goods and services…

Mandrem

I’m not the biggest fan of beaches, but surprised myself in Calangute with how ok I was with being at the beach, it’s the level of development and concentration of people near the beach, too much of either ruins the experience for me. But I do like amenities at the beach, shade, recliners, cocktails and…

More Goan

Fish is not the only thing on the menu in Goa, but certainly a focal point for me, having deprived myself of it for so long I was eager to indulge, but not at the expense of everything else. Chicken cafreal – Cafreal is the marinade paste of green chillies, ginger, garlic and coriander used…

Kingfish

I am happy to experience yet more spice laden Goan dishes especially considering a few traditional Goan restaurants remain in Panaji old town, the ambience these old Portuguese buildings with their “old school” tables and chairs and rustic charm, is very welcome indeed. I have a secure sensation, these places have been serving Goan food…

Panaji

Panaji is a small and interesting city with a genuine Portuguese old town in the historic area, and the wide open streets of the newer town carried the same Portuguese feel to them, with a few art deco buildings too. A more modern Indian feel about the peripheries of these areas reminded me where I…

Goan shacks

With small fishing boats operating from Baga I am ecstatic with the possibility of trying some of Goas famously spice laden sauces with some excellent seafood. Choosing a venue from the plethora available wasn’t too hard, and I think I did quite well, judging by the food quality Kingfish seemed to be in the nets…

Calangute

Calungute is a coastal tourist town, predominantly low rise, with all the amenities, and pitfalls of, a coastal tourist town. Think late night bars, tourist shops, and touts Situated in the central point of a long sandy beach, with Candolim and Baga townships at either end of the bay, with a small river mouth in…

Goa

Goa is often described as India lite, a simpler version of India that is easy to take in, and easier to enjoy. Suitable for those who like all the comforts of home, in a tropical and exotic setting, layered with culture and a relaxed vibe, something for those who don’t like too much exploring, or…

Earning a thirst

Beer is a tricky thing in India, not only because of the very limited range available. In a few locations a few isolated local brews are available, otherwise Kingfisher, the national brew is the only option with 5 varieties of lager. Some of the states are attempting to become dry states where alcohol sales are…

Pure veg

Nestled between a few of Mysuru’s boulevards, the perfectly formed local produce market is especially good, with wide sections of welcoming looking produce, flowers and a selection of predominantly fragrance and colour based handicrafts. Small and easy to navigate, the corrugated iron and bright blue tarpaulins shield the stalls from the bright midday sun. The…