(This is the journal entry from 21st September which for some reason didn't work) Well I'd like to start off by apologising to my mother (!) for not keeping up the standard of this journal. I think you may note that the deterioration started once emily arrived therefore we should blame her. So mother you'd like to know about Goan culture, it rains and it rains and it rains. Actually seriously where we've been has been quite touristy so far in goa so it hasn't been as cultured as our time before, however we are officially now on holiday. We got a cab up to Baga a couple of days ago with our new travelling companion Bev- drama teacher from Toronto. Through her we've met a lot of the locals. It's very interesting hearing their attitude to tourists, and how the indian tourists behave. Jai, a local, has a particular hatred of british girls which he is currently projecting on me and I will take up with him when I get back tp palolem. Actually mother I'll have you know we've been having numerous conversations about the expansion of tourism in the area, how it is coping and especially about the corruption. It's very interesting the interaction between the two cultures. One of my particular favourites is that most indians don't understand swimming costumes. They think we have simply stripped down to our underwear...so they do the same. The result is a bunch of indian guys strutting around the beach in their y-fronts. We've also had some great conversations about other parts of the culture. Such as the head wobble they do. This has multiple variations and can mean a bunch of things with subtle differences of the movement. (better mother!!) Well as mentioned we're now in Baga- and it's raining here too!! Bev has accompanied us here and we've been having a really good giggle. We have also attracted the attention of one of the guys, dharmesh, who owns a lot of bars, clubs and hotels in Goa. I think his is trying it on, but i've made it very clear i'm not interested! Plus there's always all of us together so it's okay. Up side of this is that we get recommended the best restaurants and bars in Goa. But all in all, he is a sound guy who has taken a lot of time to show us round (in his air conditioned toyota.) Don't worry mum- we're being wise with this one and following Bev's advice. We've also been followed to Baga by Gaz and Dave (can't remember if mentioned them before) engineer and art director from london. Really decent couple of lads who are a right laugh but kept me up till 11am this morning. So if this doesn't make complete sense then I do apologise (1 hours sleep.) Yesterday we got a lift with dharmesh to old goa, which was really beautiful. Unfortunately we didn't get there till late and some of the things were shut but might try again tomorrow. We did however go to the basilica de bom (something like that) where the body of st francis of xavier is kept. This guy died 453 years ago and his body has decomposed to about the equivalent of a week. It's been buried twice in two different places. Analysed by numerous scientists and no one can explain the halt in the decomposition process- bizarre hey. So long and short this guy's body hasn't broken down so they've made him a saint. He did also do lots of things for goan catholics but i stand by my earlier statement that religion can be a highly bizarre thing. Well we're surposed to be being taught wake boarding today but seeing the state of Gaz a minute ago when I went to get my shoes- that ain't happening. So instead...well we'll see. Going to stay here till saturday probably then hampi and drop Skips in Bangalore. Then i've decided to go and spend my last 10 days before I start back in Palolem. I really had a great time there. Met a lot of interesting people- locals and travellers- plus the beach is absolutely stunning. It's really safe there and I already know lots of people already, so think it's ideal. Okay lastly mum get off the bloody phone in the evening every time I try to call it's engaged- will try again tonight. Love you all- however rude on the message board you may be! Take care everyone. xxxx