GOA TRIP – A TRAVELOGUE

I thought it is my duty to squeeze out some time to put on record all our memorable experiences during our “EXCLUSIVE” trip to Goa.
Right from the day Vishu proposed the trip, I was apprehensive so far as the place and the food are concerned. At least all my acquaintances that had been to Goa earlier (probably 5 or 6 years ago) had lot to complain about the food and the stink. To my surprise, the State was cool and calm. No hustle bustle and a perfect spot to be away from hectic life at Hyderabad. Perhaps our timing was perfect. (Exclusive??)

First and foremost let’s all thank our stars for being able to catch Jan Shathabdi Express from LT, Mumbai without facing any delays or cancellations of flight from HYD to Mumbai.It was a wonderful experience to travel in Konkan Railways through long tunnels and Viaducts. We all feasted our eyes with greenery, waterfalls, rocks and streams. More than anybody, our Raju garu fell ‘fida’ for the beauty of the picturesque sceneries enroute, while Vishwa kept on cribbing about being sandwiched in the middle seat throughout the journey. The taste of samosas, kachodi, kakadi and tea still linger in our mouths, isn’t it? The AC chair car too was comfortable for those who wanted to take a nap, play cards and to eat. From here our Exclusiveness started. As soon as we landed in Madgoan, our chauffer driven vehicle was waiting for us to take us to our Hotel.

After checking in Baga Residency, our chief organizer (Vinod) along with Ashok and Vishwa
negotiated with the Hotel guys and arranged for the EXCLUSIVE sight seeing trip for the next
day.

The dinner at Indian Spice – though most of us approached the hotel with the frame of mind that we need to bear with the smell of sea food, to our surprise, there was none. I am sure everybody enjoyed thoroughly the food we had. Three cheers to Indian spice. I want to specially mention the curd rice, Oh sorry, curd and rice without spice, which made it possible for us to return to our rooms blissfully. I hope all of us had a good time and sleep in the crisp and clean rooms. Sight seeing -EXCLUSIVE vehicle for our team. It was a mix of Filmi Chakkar and North Goa tour. The moment I heard Filmi Chakkar, I was under the impression we will be moving around romantic places through out the day. All my imaginations got shattered the moment we landed in KALAPANI (jail!). The only memory I carried home from Kalapani is that of Nimbupani. I am not sure if the nimbu pani guys were there from the days of Kalapani, but it was indeed very refreshing. I wish our restaurants take a leaf from their book. (i.e., how to make fresh lime soda). From this stage onwards, most of the members became Goans! With those funky shirts and shorts!

After visiting Sinquerim beach and Aguada Fort beach, we went to Anjuna beach. Here our shopping spree started. I went for bed spreads and had a nice time in haggling (My experience in sultan bazaar and Numaish were put to use here). Here we found all those ladies who were selling shells, beads and bed spreads talking so fluently in English, that too with a heavy accent. Vishu suggested that they should be recruited in the Call center (for their fluency and sales skills). I think old habits die hard (Vishu still has an eye for sourcing the skills).

Then to Bom Jesus church, one of the world heritage sites, which made me proud of our country. The tolerance and respect we have for all other faiths was exhibited here by all of us. At least I took a moment to silently sit on those benches and pray for the well-being of every one. (Sarve jana: sukhino bhavanthu:). The church was indeed a spectacular construction and a legend behind.

Dona Paula - A vintage view point. We ladies decided to sit and take a breath while men went for a stroll. The taste buds of men tickled and they went for Bhel puri. Vishu gave me a surprise there. Our team members know what it is! (flop!) Miramar Beach- Good pristine sand and a beautiful sunset, was waiting for us there. Vishu and Ashok seem to have enjoyed UP pani puri and ragada more than the cool breeze of the Arabian sea. For AVR garu and Surendra it was a nice place and opportunity to do their Sandhya vandanam. On the whole, wherever we went, we finished sight seeing on time not exceeding the time limit set by our dear Keshav. Probably we were the only team he has ever seen who maintained punctuality and discipline. Our little champ Rohit needs a special mention here for his ability to adapt to any situation. All the credit goes to his ever patient parents Vinod and Aruna.

Cruise on Mandovi River – Wonderful experience. Rohit was too sweet to stand on the dance floor all alone and shake his legs. We had a thorough entertainment (paisa vasool) with the Konkan folk dances, Portugese number and a lot more entertainment from the Coalition team (Mumbai??) and Enjoy team (Chennai) on the dance floor. One hour on ferry has just passed so fast. This was the only time I missed Abhay during the trip.

Dinner at Indian Spice that night has left us little disappointed when there was a delay in getting the other orders, especially milk. Hotha hai baba. Kabhi kabhi ….. cool…….. The next day we all decided to do away with the additional breakfast and settled for the complimentary bread (no toast please!) and butter of Baga and moved for the Calangute beach. Wow! Ultimate. Surendra and Rohit, better luck next time for Jet Skiing. After spending 2 hours leisurely in the beach, who so ever has decided to walk to Baga beach…………., again kabhi kabhi hotha hai Baba……, cool……….

Perfect check out time at 12 noon
Good lunch at Sagar. Joke of the Day is special thali does not have white rice. Oh! What a
disappointment. Some of us went for window shopping. Then proceeded to Madgaon railway station in our exclusive vehicle. AC lounge – ultimate (and exclusive).

Surendra, next time we will all learn 7 table perfectly before the tour. Good game for passing
time and great fun playing it. All of us did justice to the name of the train ‘Matsya Gandhi” by carrying our beach clothes folded and kept in our bags. Sunitha: Better luck next time for thulam bangaram.

Mumbai:
Did not get much opportunity to see the actual Mumbai. Matunga looked as a replica of Chennai. The Kannikaparameswari Temple was good and the rooms decent. We had a good brunch with a great South Indian spread. Then like any typical tourist to Mumbai, had a darshan of India Gate and proceeded to Fashion street. Here I should make a record of our experience in Mumbai Local train. Good learning.

After evening snacks and a mandatory Bombay Chaat, we proceeded to the air port. Flight on schedule. Our flying time was best utilized for settling the accounts! Way to go. So, dear team! Where shall we go this summer? North East?.... Andamans?....... Mauritius?…
……
Points to note:
Travelled in all modes of transportation – MMTS, Aircraft, Taxi, Shatabdi chair car, Tempo
traveler, Ferry, Auto and Mumbai Local train. We just missed the Bus! Oh! Wait a second.....
from terminal to Aircraft?
Absolutely vegetarian food is available in Goa. That includes pani puri and Bhel puri.
Good quality cashew nuts available, but no difference in the cost compared to rates in
Hyderabad.
Do not think of waking up early when you are in Goa and take a stroll. Even dogs were surprised to see me and vishwa taking a stroll at the early hours.
Missed visiting famous temples at Goa.
Finally, BAGA residency - Rooms ‘Baga’vunnayi, but AC ‘Baga’ ledu, Breakfast bill ‘Baga’
vesedu, sight seeing vehicle ‘Baga’ vundi, but cruise timings ‘Baga’ communicate
cheyyaledhu. Overall ‘Baga’ne vundhi. OK. 8/10.
Kudos to the team for planning a very good trip and a perfect budget.
Signing off and looking forward for our next sojourn.