Goa, India, December 1
I was looking forward to today in Goa, have heard great reports about the area and the Goanese people are always so lovely. We are docked at the Naval Base and so the security is even greater than it was yesterday in Mumbai. Off the ship, into the terminal, through a customs area, bags searched, full face to face check, show the visa again at the next door, onto the bus, stopped as we’re leaving the port and a guard comes on to check our passes again! And then coming back after the tour we had to get off the bus, take our belongings, walk into the terminal, face to face again, show drivers licence or similar, then through security, ladies to the left, gents to the right, the bus goes through the gate without us and we get back on after all that rigmarole and are dropped at the ship! Then of course it’s the usual getting on the ship, suite card and bag check!
G went one way, I went the other today. My tour was Highlights of Goa. Regent are great in that they never fill the buses so usually no more than 20 on each bus. Driving from the port to our first stop was lovely. All along the way there are remnants of the Portuguese era in Goa, they came here in 1510 and their influence in the brightly colored houses with tile accents is obvious.
Two Portuguese-built churches in Old Goa that date to colonial days are St Francis of Assisi and the Cathedral. Sadly all the frescoes in the Cathedral have been painted over with white - seems the upkeep of the church was too expensive to maintain and so the church, although still beautiful, lacks colour and softness.
We also visited the local fruit, fish and veg market in Old Goa. This was interesting, a beautiful selection of produce, all very fresh. The guide was pointing out custard apples and I wasn’t sure why but it seems custard apples are not common in the US.
But all along I was wondering how clean all this was as the whole place was littered with trash! Not a bin in sight. Even the bus was really grubby.
The brief said we would visit a beautiful old house for refreshments. How surprised were we when we arrived at the most beautiful house ‘Casa Oliveira Fernandes’ - down a narrow road (where you could almost breathe on the person on the bus going the opposite way, we were so close) and were welcomed by the man who lives there, 6th generation Indian/Portuguese! His daughter-in-law also stood at the front door with her two little children. We were ushered through the house, (magnificent furniture everywhere) to the kitchen where the table was laid out with amazing food such as samosas, chicken sandwiches, etc, and fruit. Then out through another door to outdoor tables where we could have a drink or coffee. Several Regent bus loads followed and there was entertainment by two singers. This is apparently only available to the cruise company but mine host must be suitably reimbursed!
As anyone who’s been to India knows, the cow is very sacred and holy and can wander wherever she likes which could mean having a rest in the middle of the road. And we did see several cows, all along really, in shopping areas or just hanging around. But the guide told us that cow pats used to be popular to line floors with, along with other uses. Seems that if they were left for a few days the odour would disappear and they served brilliantly for flooring. Hence the name holy crap. Now, she told us, is not my line.
Back on board, it was nice to cool down then go to a lovely dinner at the Asian restaurant. We’re all very tired, early mornings, long days, hot weather etc, I’m already thinking I need a holiday!
Tomorrow it’s Mangalore!
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