Namaste

Yesterday we left Colva behind and headed further South through Goa. Our journey started with the local bus from Colva to Margao or Madagon (everywhere here seems to have 2 names, which can confuse things a bit!!) This bus journey was a cramped affair and being British I kept giving up my seat for Indian ladies who were grateful as my Indian counterparts did not budge. On the buses here there are seats designated for ladies only and disabled persons, we are told down in Kerala it is really strict a bit like segregation!!!

The door on the bus did not close but we made it to the bus station without falling out of the bus and through the chaos found our next bus to take us to Palolem. Buses here don't tend to move till they are at least half full so we spent 25 minutes roasting inside the bus waiting to set off, eventually after lots of shouting and collecting money we were on our way to Palolem.

The bus soon got full and I gave up my seat again which in hindsight was a bad move as I had to stand up for the whole journey (1 1/2 hours) bumping around at the front of the bus while I watched the money collector make himself comfortable on my rucksack and fall fast asleep!!!!

Stepping off the bus was amazing we were surrounded by accomodation touts and chose two places to look at, the second one being better we struck a deal for 4 nights at 6 quid a night and unpacked. The room is only 30 seconds walk from the beach and it is by far the nicest beach we have been to in India. Palolem is a natural arch and is hemmed in at each end by rocks. We spent the afternoon in the sea and relaxing then found a restaurant at one end of the beach perched on the rocks where we ate and watched the sun go down.

Today will be pretty much more of the same I imagine, I am sure the scrabble and cards will be out again at some point!!!

Will be in touch, Happy Easter to everyone and keep my eggs in the fridge till I get home!!!!!

Lots of Love

M & M

xx