Well just to let everyone know- contrey to popular belief the monsoon has NOT stopped in Goa. After meeting quite a few people in Cochin who told us that palolem has had beautiful sunshine for the last 3 weeks- it started raining about half an hour before we got here and has not stopped. There is the local rumour that the evil english witches have bought the rain with them and the fact that it starts everyday as we get up is not helping to dispell this! But anyway we've been having an hilarious time here. When we first arrived we shared a tuk tuk with a couple. Four people plus four massive rucksacks is TOO much for one ricksaw. Especially when you're ploughing through inches of rain. We ended up getting a really crap room at first as everyway we could actually reach was full. So in true alex and emily style we went to comfort ourselves with a cocktail. This accidentally turned into a 13 hour drinking session (starting at 4pm...) we bumped into the austrian simon we met in Bangalore plus and rather extremely attractive israli. One to another bar and well, left a little hazily about 5am. Next day feeling more than a little sorry for myself (soild food not good!- their idea of shot sizes here is a little different to home but can you complain about quadriple vodkas for 80p- i think not! ) we went and found ourselves the most gorgeous hut which we've been very happy with. It does feel a little like skippy and waffys ark though. A dog that sleeps on the front porch, a spider at the end of the bed, two mice which we caught tucking into our cashewnuts, we'r just thankful that the cows and chickens stick to the beach. So the rain has put a bit of a damper on our stay but theres shed loads of places here to while a way the days drinking coffee (then vodka) chatting with people and learning new games. We've met some very interesting characters already; simon the ski repair man from austria, ophia the gorgeous israli wedding planner (seriously!), Bev a drama teacher from canada, Ses the south african board shaper and our personal favour pete the law student from poland- who when we first met was wandering round in his boxers as his only pair of shorts was in the laundry and we have yet to met him when he isn't slurring. Quite a feet seeing as when just had breakfast with him. We have been for a little trek to the next door couple of beaches and around. But we've decided that this rain is obviously a sign from god that we should just sit around and drink vodka for the next couple of days- and who are we mere mortals to disobey!! Will update when (if ) we leave. Take care all.. xxx