Goa Calling

After a wonderfully relaxed time in Mumbai, checking out the sights and eating some wonderful meals with Rakesh's family, Rakesh and I headed off towards Goa on yet another arduous bus journey.

What felt like a few million aches later, both Rakesh and I emerged, wiping the sleep from our eyes to be welcomed by the madding crowds of tourists in Goa. Darn.

First a bit of a history lesson. Whilst much of India was invaded by the British way back when, Goa managed to have the unfortunate joy of being invaded by the Portuguese. Being rather laid back, they stopped there and failed to invade much else. I blame too much rum. However, it did mean that Goa was independent from India until the 1960's. So it consequently has a really bad road structure and a very laid back way of life. Correction, it did, until the droves of package tourists from England arrived. It's now like Tenerrife. Joy.

After escaping the madding crowds of tourists on a bike ride to a remote waterfall, we did find some semblance of interest outside of the hippy nonsense which had been thrown in our face all along the beaches and roads. Here we took a 40 minute jeep ride into their semi-dry jungle, complete with river crossings and ruts in the road which make weight-watchers members feel small and insignificant.

After a brief walk, we reached the waterfall, which was pretty impressive and even encouraged me to get my spangly legs out and have a swim/controlled drown.

From Goa, and with news of the blasts in Mumbai fresh in the news, we headed north to a small city of Kolhapur where we were to meet a lady who undertakes government projects in remote villages, staying with her and her family.

I wanted remote, and I think I got it. Basic was the name of the day. No running water, the same "power sharing" power cuts experienced in the other slum town. Front door made of a sheet of tin, about waist high. Walls made of scrap metal/wood/cow-dung. Roof of corrugated tin/straw. Wildlife, more that present.

In true estate agent speak, I shall now describe the room. Airy (it was the store-room and didn't have any windows), with a view of the stars (holes in the ceiling), atmospheric (noisy), connected with nature (counted two rats, one mouse, millions of roaches, millions of mozzies and a strange tick-like creature in the first night. The rat was first mistaken for a small dog), firm foundations (concrete/mud floor, which I was sleeping on), friendly family (very friendly, and like most Indian's who have nothing, they were far too generous.)

We're going to have to cut this short, as I've just been told "now closing time" at 21:41 at night - strange time, but they must have had enough of me!

Photos to follow and more stories too!