Journey through India
Today I want to tell an amazing story in the world of flavors, tastes and colors. The country we are talking about is India, North Goa.
So let's start the story...
In the evening, standing in another traffic jam, I realized that I was so tired of the bustle of the city, and it was time to change something. The next day, I was sitting in a travel agency and choosing where to go. I watched the tour and went winged home, thought for a long time which hotel to choose, finally managed to decide and again went to them. It so happened that when I came to the company, there were no more places in this hotel, and there was no time left and I had to urgently decide with the hotel on the spot. After talking to a friend, we decided to go to Maria Rossa.
The days before the cherished date did not just pass, but flew, the bags were assembled instantly, and now we are sitting at the airport and waiting for the flight.
First impression
Plane. Flight. Transfer. We were at the hotel, but we were disappointed. Together with chic 4-storey houses on the beach, we were waiting for old, dull houses near the highway. But that's not all... The hotel refused to accommodate us until one o'clock in the afternoon, and the clock was only 10 in the morning. We were upset and changed into some kind of pantry, left our bags and went on a scout.
The first five minutes were difficult: terrible heat, fast traffic and cows that are everywhere. Who does not know, the cow in India is a sacred animal, decorated with ribbons, bells and other ornaments.
Continuing my story... 5..10..15..20 minutes and you can't see the sea. They asked the other one, and they all answered, ‘You have come, look around.’ We didn't understand anything ... Just walking right in hope. And I remember how somewhere in the distance it appeared – the sea, we, with the last strength, ran to it, our feet dissolved in the warm and tender sand, and the warm sea lured into its arms. In those moments, we forgot everything we had to face.
We went to the hotel to plan the rest. We knew for sure that it was impossible to walk a few kilometers every day and decided to take a bike for the whole weekend. Warning! In India, left-hand traffic is very difficult to relearn, there is no sign, no traffic lights, there is nothing. Only one thing saves - a signal or a pee, yes, it is! If you're ready for it, go ahead! But thanks to the bike, our journey was amazing.
Every day we went where our eyes looked, for the first time we went all over Calangut.
There are many locals in Kalangut, there are Belarusians and very few Russians. There is also a food market, so go there! You will never find such delicious fruits in Russia! Pineapple - 50 rupees, before you buy sniff it and see, its branches should be lush and green. Coconut - 60 rupees, be careful with it, if mixed with spicy, then at night you definitely will not fall asleep. Buy bananas small, they are cheap and so sweet and tasty that words can not describe, just keep in mind that they spoil very quickly.
About the cafe, this town is not very designed for tourists, so if you do not tolerate the spicy, be careful and ask without spices.
The next day, we went to Kandolim, an ordinary India in the afternoon, but at night all life boils, clothing markets open, restaurants are ready to receive visitors, music plays, where echoes of Russian are heard. Anyway, it's coming alive. Personally, I loved Candolim for their cuisine. The city is completely for tourists, which means you can find a European menu and not spicy food. Go to 21’Cocos Cafe, it’s so delicious. You can even find Russian cuisine on the menu, but it is quite different from ours: borscht is sweet, and mantas are from a transparent dough.
Basically, that's all that can be interesting in Candolim.
Now let's talk about Arpore.
The only place you can find is Saturday Night Market. You've never seen it before, I'm sure! By the way, despite all the house that is happening all over Goa, everything was strict here: there was security at the entrance and there were metal detectors.
The road to the market was near the pond and lighted with lanterns, some music could be heard, but we did not yet understand what was happening. Everyone smiles at you, takes pictures, and tries to sell everything from tea to the kitchen mat. And in the middle of the market... A scene where a local band performs songs in all languages of the world, including Russian, Spanish, English and others, and everyone dances around, whether you are 18 or 50. But I want to warn you! If you are going to visit this place, then I recommend eating before that, as all the food there is very expensive.
On the way back from Arpora to Kandolim, we stopped at Baga.
I mean, there's a lot of hippies in Baga, don't be surprised. And the beach simply does not accommodate tourists and locals, there are a lot of people, although everything is paid, including parking. But... There is a Russian restaurant, by the way very inexpensive, you will immediately recognize it, this is the only place where Russian music plays. I would like to advise you to try a shark that you will take out and choose.
And now, about the sights - Fort Gouda
Amazing place! This fort has existed since the 17th century, it is practically the highest point in North Goa. The most important thing is that the entrance is free, everyone can go and, from a bird's eye view, look at the sea and mountains.
Notice!
1. Stock up on pills, all the food is very spicy
2.No white stuff, otherwise it just won't get back
3 People in Goa love to be photographed, don’t be surprised.
4.Select your hotel carefully, read reviews
5 Whenever you order a drink, ask without ice, but without ice! Why? Because when you see huge blocks of ice on the road, it's your future ice in a glass.
6. Girls, no platform or heels, just slate.
7. Don’t travel alone on a bike to India, stay at the resort and enjoy the moment.
8. And, I want to say that India is not suitable for everyone, but if you are looking for new emotions, tastes and smells, then welcome and a good holiday!
Author of text and photo: Mila Sosnovtseva