A state of mind, they say.

Goa is definitely a state of mind. I’m sure almost everyone has been there and loved it. I’m sure you’ve loved it and wanted to stay on for just a little longer… and I know a lot of you will re-visit. For me, it was my first trip to Goa. Ok, get up, get back on the chair and stop laughing. Yes, carry on reading. There is a beautiful energy and vibe to the place… it’s full of goodness and happy-ness! Some good food and wine! Of getting tanned and drenched in the ocean! Its all good.

I had to go to Goa on work. Ummm… yeah, I don’t know how anyone gets any work done there! But still, I had to go on a recee to Goa. On a Friday. So, I extended my stay and begged my beautiful bong to visit me (I might have given her some emotional/ sentimental blah… Might!). So, I had the flights booked and the meetings set for Friday. I had to meet the event managment company and drive down to ‘Zee Bop by the sea’. Post which, I had meetings at the hotel with the hotel staff – introductions, contracts, clarifications etc. I also had to check for alcohol and car companies! All in all, I had to close a lot of random fun things…!

So, here’s my story…

Conveyer belt?

I landed in Goa and I couldn’t help but smile. I smiled and looked around… The casino-card-deck conveyer belt. The welcomes! The people that smile and walk at a pace not seen in Delhi! I felt relief and calm wash over me. The people are happy and relaxed and just so at ease! The place compels you to kick off your shoes and walk around in chappals, or barefoot! All I wanted to do was to stare at the gorgeous sea… I got into a cab and exclaimed at every red/ yellow/ purple house… I was amazed at the greenery and the flowers that matched the houses! I reached the Arossim beach in South Goa and had to roll up my jeans, and carry my laptop bag + chappals to get to the quaint restaurant by the sea. The sea breeze made me smile even more, the smell of sea food made me hungrier and the beer placed on our tables by the owners made me almost clap my hands in glee! We worked and finished our discussions along with the four beer bottles… We devoured the squid, the prawn curry and the fish! The crow stole a piece of garlic bread and no amount of shoo-ing could get rid of him… We really didn’t care. It was all so beautiful. The weather Gods were with me… it had stopped raining as soon as I had landed. Ni-ice!

Zee bop... by the sea!

The hotel was absolutely gorgeous… we walked around talking to adorable and very helpful people. It was quite something. You could hear the sea, at times you could see it too. We walked all over the property, and finally I sat down with my laptop to close ‘em loops. I got me some tea and some cigarettes. Finally I was sitting and checking things off the To do list! Blah. I had stopped smiling. Suddenly, they booked a room for me, forced me to relax and freshen up. I was asked where I would like to eat/ what kind of cuisine I would like to eat, etc. I picked Goan and went to my room. I saw television! I took one of those long hot showers and I dressed up just for the heck of it. I walked to the Goan restaurant and had the most amazing meal ever (more to come, for I was in Goa ). I enjoyed a starter of crackers and kokum chutney, followed by Bife Asado (an absolutely delectable beef curry) with steamed rice. This was all accompanied by glasses of moscatel – this yummy portuguese fortified wine. I also had a pudding for desert which had a lovely coconut-y flavour and a hot caramel glaze. I spoke to the chef, took my time to enjoy my meal and as I am not used to dining alone, I spoke a little on the phone (!). All in all, it was quite a memorable experience. I then walked to the pool and then towards the beach… My trip was shortened by the Delhi wedding party’s dhinchaak music! So I sat in the little verandah in my room and stared at the pond and the flowers and finished a beer.

On the beach!

The next morning was my time at the perfect beach. White sands, lovely purple flowers, lazy waves and no tourists! I loved it. I walked to the beach after a very heavy breakfast of bacon, eggs, baked beans, rolls, donuts, watermelon juice and finally tea! I lit myself a smoke and walked on the beach. I sat and stared at the ocean for a while and then decided to venture into the water. The waves carressed my feet oh so softly and teased me thoroughly. Every time I had my back to the sea, it would throw a bigger wave than usual to shock me! We played, the sea and I. And I laughed and smiled through out…

Kingfisher hut!

I had to leave to get some work done, after which I would meet my bong at Panjim! The houses, the narrow roads, the ’scenery’, the greens, the airtel/ kingfisher huts… I stared and took it all in. I reached Panjim and ran towards the bong (ran? ummm okay, walked). After the giant hug we got into our golden zen! Haha! And we drove towards Baga. Kings Pilsner and Port wine were bought, smokes were stocked and a room was rented (2 minutes from Tito’s). We drank and she got ready. We drank and left for Britto’s for lunch. I was in love. I was. I am. The seafood platter! The beer, the cocktails, the butter garlic prawns…! And the ocean beckoning you… It was amazing! Absolutely amazing. We laughed and drank and ate. We then moved towards Tito’s for dessert. They didn’t have ‘Bebinca’ and the boy had asked me to try it… so we just walked to the beach. Niiicceeeeee………………………. We finished the bottle of port wine, we drove to Vagatore beach, which was deserted and empty and pitch dark. We drove back, and on our way we ate at Munchees (hehe!).

Vagatore

The next day called for another drive to Vagatore and then Calangute. Tourists piss me off. I mean, why would you wear a saree to the beach and pose for photographs on rocks! Why would you eat chaat in Goa! Why would you stare at people when NO ONE does in Goa! Why would you be vegetarian in Goa! Also, I know I haven’t seen much sun thanks to my job, but why would you call me “Gora!”?! Haha… This was the only time I cringed! The tourists had already taken over Calangute… the rest of the time I was busy stuffing my face at Souza Lobo! Squid, Crab and Steak! Then Bebinca. With Coffee and Chocolate liquer and port wine Yummmmmeh! Oh I wish we had stayed on for a week! But good enough for 1 and a half days eh? I will definitely go back… I haven’t smiled so much in ummm like forever! I haven’t worn and done whatever I felt like doing in so long…! I haven’t eaten so much good stuff in so little time! I haven’t giggled on port wine with my bong… Oh this trip was long overdue… I am so so glad I finally managed Goa. It makes me happy! I am so going back…

Morning chai and pie at Tito

The sea breeze, the salty lips and skin, the sand in your chappals, the sun on your skin is oh so amazing… The beer, the cigarette, the wine and the food! It smells so beautiful and tasty and perfect! Oh and those who haven’t spent too much time in South Goa, please please go to Arossim beach if not Palolem. The white sands and the lack of people made me feel like a princess! Go go! And do finish bottles of port wine – it’s the best high! Ah, that’s it. I am sooo relaxed even now, that I’m not doing a spell check or an edit. I don’t care if my post on Goa isn’t poetic or well-written… I just had an amazing time… I just wish he had been there… that’s all