I am a 48 year old married man with two children aged 18(boy) and 16(girl).I enjoy reading, buying a...
I am a 48 year old married man with two children aged 18(boy) and 16(girl).I enjoy reading, buying and selling(anything) films,food and music, especially soul/Motown. I also have a long haired Chihuahua who is my shadow
Member since:29.01.2001
Reviews:67
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If you are looking for a holiday where you can be sure of a friendly welcome,good food,great climate and scenery,which won't cost you a Kings Ransom then I advise you to check out Goa.
For those who do not know,Goa is a province of India situation about halfway up the west coast of this great country.It is different from the rest of India in many ways, due to the fact that for a large period of History, Goa was under Portugese rule.The buildings and the people reflect this difference.
Travelling time from the UK is around 10 1/2 hours which will include a fuel stop at somewhere like Bahrain in the Persian Gulf.
Upon your arrival at the airport the differences between the UK and India are easily identifiable.The lack of apparent organisation.I say apparent because actually things have a way of sorting themselves out before your eyes.Airport staff seem to outnumber the passengers and porters suddenly appear from nowhere to help you with your luggage.Of course for this service they expect something in return,usually a £1 coin will do the trick.
This is the way things work in Goa.Help is always forthcoming and the payment is minimal.
Goa has such a wide diversity of scenery that I would think that it could cater for everyone quite easily.
Certainly the beaches are some of the best I've ever found.What makes them even more enjoyable is the fact that they are usually quite deserted.
The wildlife is there in large numbers.Whether its an elephant ride,watching the dolphins,snake charming or the endless variety of birds,they are there to enjoy.
The people are very friendly and during my stay in Goa I did not experience any kind of problem.You could walk around without any hint of fear,day or night.
The food is worth the trip on its own.You can eat almost whatever you want at very low prices.The place has this great east meets west feel about it which is reflected in the food on offer.If you like Indian food,you're in the right place.However even if you dont the choices available will allow you to get by without any problems.
My only advise would be to try and go for the best hotel you can afford.I say this because i did meet some people who said their hotels were not up to much.Fortunately my hotel was fine.
The cost of living is such that your money will stretch like elastic.For example I could hire a Taxi and driver/guide for the day for around £5.I found this was a great way to get around because whatever you ask for you will be given.I found some really interesting temples,markets,even a circus that were not available through the usual tour operators(which I avoid in any case as they charge too much and have a stage managed feel about them).
Visiting the markets is interesting as you have to haggle over the prices.Usually even the starting price is a steal,so you really can't go wrong.
Goa attracts a variety of tourists from all over the world.From backpackers to well off Europeans,you will find them all.
If you have a sense of adventure and like holidays where not everything is done via organised coach tours, then take my advise and give Goa a go.
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