It was my first Christmas away from my family and friends this year which was strange, yet exciting to be somewhere different in the world. I missed the whole build up to Christmas, trees, lights and especially Christmas Dinner. For the first time ever I did not have a single present to unwrap however having the opportunity to travel for at least 12 months is a big enough gift in itself I feel!!!! I had an absolutely brilliant Christmas Eve partying on the beach (Palolem south Goa)from sunset to sunrise (well 10.30am). Did not manage to sleep at all and could only stomach two mouthfuls of pasta for my Christmas Dinner, so decided to have Christmas dinner Boxing Day instead and had curry!!!!! New Year was spent partying to hardened trance in Arambol (north Goa) which was different!!! Goa is a fantastic place, I can understand why hippies in the past just got lost here. You dont actually know where all your days go. Although we did hire out motorbikes and have a good look around the whole state. Its so cheap here, we manage to live of 20pounds a day between us which includes accommodation, 3 meals a day and motorbike rental and juice or enty into sight seeing places. And believe me we eat well!!!! I got some money for Christmas and went to Anjuna flea market treated myself to a few items (almost like going to the January sales)spending 18 pounds, which at the time I thought was really excessive and perhaps I have spent to much, but thats nothing to what I would normally spend or get for christmas. Its wierd how you mentality changes.