We flew to GOA. Taking a 45 minute car ride thru some of the most beautiful tropical scenery that I have every seen, we arrived at Club Mahindra, again just right out of the magazine. RIGHT ON THE BEACH! We had drinks in the bar, walked down to the beach and picked up sea shells, walked in the water, checked out the gift shop, and then we changed our clothes and went to "Martin's Landing"restaurant Benaulim Goa located at Martin's Corner for dinner. We had Steak and Lobster and the local Fenni Drink. Snehal had told us that it is "A MAN" drink. I would have to agree. The restaurant holds regular musical evenings with local music, Reggae, pop, jazz dished out by foreign and local musicians. It is advisable to book your table if a musical evening is slated for the evening to avoid disappointment of not having a vintage point of viewing the sea waves. It was awesome.
Next morning we were up and off to the beach and then back to the swimming pool. I can't wait till I can get my pictures online. Then we headed off to North Goa. We had picked out a restaurant "Café Caravela", a café that draws its name from a Portuguese trading boat, right on the Arbian Sea. Taj Holiday Village Hotel Goa is set on the old Fort Aguada and overlooking Sinquerim Beach and the Arabian Sea. Bob had a boring sandwhich and I had Red Snapper. It was the whole fish and presented with such flare. After lunch we went to the 3 different beaches and shopped and had a drink on a beach view bar.
We went back to the Radisson White Sands Resort Goa for dinner. I had salmon wrapped in a banana leaf and some vegetables that were presented like a burrito. Bob had a boring steak, but he said it was the best steak he had eaten. When the bring your food to the table they ALWAYS ask. May I serve you? ALWAYS ASK! They always serve from the left and remove plates from the right. They are excellent and serving and making your dinner seem extra ordinary.
Next day we went to South Goa. Goa is Portuguese owned and mostly catholic. We visited some churches, temples, old portuguese plantation.
CHURCHES:
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Built in 16th century is the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. This church dedicated to Infant Jesus is now a world Heritage Monument.
Shri Brahma Temple: 7 kms. from Valpoi, in the village of Brahma Carambolim. This shrine belongs to the 5th century A.D. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma found in India.
PLANTATION:
Built in 1664. this 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom, old Portuguese house, is one of the oldest houses in Goa and has been renovated to a Grade A standard by UK
BIG FOOT MUSEUM:
Big Foot Museum ANCESTRAL GOA, a miniature village depicting traditional goan lifestyle and heritage and preserving ... Ancestral Goa at Big Foot. Loutolim, Goa, India.
BEACHES in GOA:
Beaches
On our final night in GOA, we went to "Fisherman's Wharf" on the bank of RIVER SAL for dinner. We were a little worried when the driver wouldn't wait for us. They always wait. We were seated by the river with lots of boats and you could fish for your own dinner. But it was late and dark, so we asked what the catch of the day was. The waiter said: "Not today!". "Last week sometime". "It's frozen!". So we stayed away from the fresh catch of the day. I had king fish that was just awesome and Bob had shrimp. It was a very good meal, and I would recommend it. The waiter called us a driver and we were back to the Club Mahindra for after dinner drinks.
The last morning we went back to the beach and walked along the beautiful beaches for the last time. This is #1 on my list of favorite holidays that I have had. It was top notch and very relaxing. We didn't even know that it was monsoon season. Yes it did rain, but nothing that stopped us from having a great time.
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