We've been on R'n'R mode the last couple of days,except of course this brings problems for us. We didnt feel the scorching heat of the Indian sun and after a few hours I noticed Grant had turned into a lobster, so had I. We're not too bad but have had to take it easy. We've met nice people here and have had a good relaxing time. I've got itchy feet as I know there's some real madness waiting for us out there. The trouble is this place is an oasis of peace. Grant wants to stay another couple of days before hitting the rails and heading south to Kerala. We've got some planning to do and I'm going to have to sharpen up. Too much relaxation isnt good for you. Many would disagree.

We've had a few walks around this area of Candolim, obviously the Portuguese have left churches and forts and we'll be taking a stroll to Fort Aguada later today. The Portuguese had been here since 1510 until 1961 when Indian forces resoundly annexed the former colony.

Once again we've come across the depressing sight of beggars, this time they've tended to be very young women holding a baby. Their equivalents in Merry olde Blighty would have the option of watching the Jeremy Kyle show, smoking fags and eating crisps in a state supplied council flat. Here they walk the roads hands outstretched making motions of feeding themselves.

Last night's walking led us to Handi's Curries and very good it was too, we also sampled Kingfisher Special. "No less than 8% proof of Alcohol Content" it said on the label. It had a good kick, I'll say that. Just after we'd finished eating, great excitement ensued and the staff burst into action. Benny Hill could have used this in one of his programmes. A big rat had made an appearance in this outdoor restuarant and Rat Football was now in play. Lots of stamping, shouting and running from one side of the restaurant to the other. I could also imagine the screaming if Mrs. Gibbs had been with us. After 10 minutes of this, the final score came in. Handi's Staff - 0, Big Rat -1. It had got away. Maybe it was for the best. I wouldnt have liked to have seen the Handi staff handling that bloody thing.