Goa is a magical resort on the west coast of India. It is suited to couples, Backpackers, families, in fact it is an 'all-rounder' In the north you will find lively resorts with great nighlife. To the South, you will find the upper class hotels and deserted beaches, in fact too deserted if you ask me. The South is for the more relaxed and layed-back holiday animal. Before arriving at your resort, you must first go through the Dabolim airport experience. It is like something from the film Cassablanca. Large roof fans churning through the hot atmosphere. You will then make your way through the imigration which is a very slow process where everyone and his dog wishes to view your passport. Once through, you will encounter one baggage reclaim and a hoard of self employed porters who will race you to your case (and probably win) grab it from the reclaim and rush it to the exit for you. For this service, they will try to get a pound coin off you. The worst part is almost over. No matter if you are on a package deal, or have made it here alone, one word of advice...Use the government taxi directly opposite the exit to the airport. They will charge you a fixed fee there and then, and the only extra will be a small tip for the driver at your destination. DO NOT get on one of those stuffy overcrowded coaches supplied by the tout operator. Once at your resort you can now enjoy the pleasures of Goa. You will either dislike it, or be like a million others and be smitten by the place. My lovely wife and I have been to Candolim twice so far, and will be going again in January. We stay at a 2 star hotel called the ONDAS DO MAR (JMC or COSMOS) It is the most basic of hotels, but the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff is second to none. They will do anything to make your holiday memorable. They will make friends with you, invite you to their humble homes, feed you and make a fuss of you. All they would like in return is your approval of their Goan ways, and maybe a letter when you get home. The beach is a short 5 minute waklk from the ONDAS. When you arrive there, you will se an endless number of beach shacks where you can get inexpensive (but excellent quality) and as much cold beer as can quench your thirst. We made "AGGIES" beer shack our home for the three weeks, and were looked after like family. You can get a three course meal and drinks for two at the shack for as little as £4 to £5 - The restaurants are a bit more expensive, but not by much. A good three course meal in a Restaurant would be about £6 to £8 including drinks and tip. Not bad eh? The cost of our three weeks holiday for next January will be about £1200 Half board. So you see, it's not even expensive to go there. If you wish to see the dolphins, or go to the market, you can hire a fishing boat for the journey for £4 - He will wait for you untill you are ready to return. Taxis are also cheap. You negotiate the price before you set out. He will also wait for you untill you are ready to return. The Hippy Flea market is a must. They sell everything from a Teepee to a trombone, and of course, you are expected to haggle with them, you can normally get your purchase for about a third of the asking plice. I cannot give an accurate opinion of South Goa, only from what I have heard, but I have fallen in love with North Goa, and would recommend anyone to experience a holiday of a lifetime there. I could talk for hours about Goa but my fingers are now getting a bit numb. Finally I would say that the most memorable part of our holiday was the Goan people. They have very little in terms of wealth. But they have hearts bigger than Goa itself. If the place doesn't enchant you, then the people most certainly will.