Category: Goa: A Lesson in Life
Back in August 2006 I visited Goa, India. A trip that affected my outlook on life, views on my country and my attitude towards others of all backgrounds. In 2015, I finally decided to put down in writing all the experiences encountered on my journey, not least my admiration for India, it’s people. it’s culture, and of course not forgetting it’s magnificent food! It’s been a long time, some things have been forgotten, but hopefully you’ll enjoy what’s left.
Goa : A Lesson in Life. Chapter 11: Down a Hole
Today was everyone’s last day in Goa apart from mine. I donned my tour-guide hat one last time to take them to Panjim, via Mapusa as always. The mood on the coach was melancholic. We’d formed a bond as the aliens in a foreign land and knew we probably wouldn’t see each other again. As…
Goa : A Lesson in Life. Chapter 10 : Cafe Mambo
And so, for the following week at least, we all went about our business. From time to time we’d get together, frequently back at the Sea Rock, or late at night on the terrace over vodka and coke, but largely we kept a respectful distance, not wanting to tread on anyone’s toes or get in…
Goa: A Lesson in Life. Chapter 9: Anjuna Introductions
Still taken aback, I Introduced myself to an out of shape, balding, but well spoken young Londoner called Chris. I made the assumption he was probably in the same boat as me, lost and out to sea, so in typical British style I put forward my solution: “Pint” ? To which he responded with a…
Goa : A Lesson in Life. Chapter 8: Panjim (Part 2)
No account of Goa would be complete without mentioning the toilets. And what you get here is usually a hole in the ground. If you’re lucky, like in this restaurant, you’ll get recesses for your feet either side, and if you’re very lucky, you’ll get a proper flushing toilet basin. Mercifully the aroma of the…
Goa : A Lesson in Life. Chapter 7: Panjim (Part 1)
I woke early in a cold, refreshing sweat. As if the toxins were leaving my body. The stomach cramps had dulled for now, but I knew it wouldn’t last. Yesterday was a bad day, but today, somehow I felt strong, determined. Perhaps I’d hit rock bottom and the only way was up from here. Looking…
Goa : A Lesson in Life. Chapter 6 : What am I doing here?
I was now well into my first week in Goa. Anjuna was lifeless and empty, so I beat the path through the trees and over the bridge into Baga and onto Calangute every day in search of a stimulus, a distraction from the fading dream of building a new life here. I thought I had…
Goa : A Lesson in Life. Chapter 5: Mapusa
Dawn of my first morning in Anjuna. I’d slept soundly and for the first time felt refreshed, relaxed and together. I looked down at the guitar case at my bedside and remembered my purpose for being here. The plan, as crazy as it seems looking back, was to earn some money busking, and crazier still,…
Goa : A Lesson in Life. Chapter 4: Calangute
As I headed off down Baga-Calangute road, the heavens opened once again. I ran for shelter into what revealed itself to be an internet cafe, a popular site in Goa. It was a hive of activity, teams of friends were deeply engaged in a session of online-gaming, totally oblivious to their surroundings. I merely wanted…
Goa : A Lesson in Life. Chapter 1 : Mumbai
I’d arrived at the International Terminal of Mumbai Airport, waiting patiently at the baggage return for my guitar and suitcase. The suitcase appeared, but no guitar. Fantastic start. And so it began. First step; get the guitar back, and take it from there. The rep was super-polite as I rummaged through my documents in search…