Yeah, I used that title. Deal with it. Just so punny.
Anyways last weekend 23 out of 32 students in the program went to the paradise that is Goa. It's a small state right to the south of Maharashtra known for it's tropical beaches and is a popular vacation point for both Indians and people from around the world.
And it did not disappoint.
To get there we had to take a 12 hour overnight bus trip. It was essentially a bus with beds lined along the walls. Think Harry Potter's Knight Bus meets summer camp bunk beds, but minus all the whimsy. Thankfully I was able to fall asleep despite the fact that it felt like we were going up and down a rocky mountain (which probably actually happened).
When we arrived, it was hot and humid, but I could vaguely smell the Arabian Sea on the air and we were finally FINALLY able to wear tank tops and skirts.pants that could show knees.
I stayed with a group that went to Vagator Beach in North Goa. It was the perfect choice because the beaches were absolutely gorgeous, but there were still semi-built up places to go.
We stayed at Shalom Guest House, which was perfect, cheap, clean, and run by the cutest old couple. I don't even want to think about how cheap it was to stay there or else I'll be tempted to go every weekend!
Saturday was a beach day. We pretty much spent all day on or around the beach. And, honestly, there was no better time spent.
That night we went to Baga Beach to hang out with the rest of the group along with some European tourist friends we made. It was nice to be in one place with everyone because that rarely happens unless we are going to class.
Sunday some of us went to Old Goa, which was the state's center back when it was Portuguese colony. Because of this Portuguese background there is a huge Catholic influence in the state today. In Old Goa there were huge Indian-style cathedrals everywhere. We even saw the grave/kind of corpse of St. Francis Xavier.
Then after one last (very very interesting walk on the beach and seaside dinner under the stars, we loaded back on the bus to head back to Pune.
Needless to say, some of us are already planning on going back in December.
Anyways last weekend 23 out of 32 students in the program went to the paradise that is Goa. It's a small state right to the south of Maharashtra known for it's tropical beaches and is a popular vacation point for both Indians and people from around the world.
And it did not disappoint.
To get there we had to take a 12 hour overnight bus trip. It was essentially a bus with beds lined along the walls. Think Harry Potter's Knight Bus meets summer camp bunk beds, but minus all the whimsy. Thankfully I was able to fall asleep despite the fact that it felt like we were going up and down a rocky mountain (which probably actually happened).
blurry view of the sleeper bus
When we arrived, it was hot and humid, but I could vaguely smell the Arabian Sea on the air and we were finally FINALLY able to wear tank tops and skirts.pants that could show knees.
I stayed with a group that went to Vagator Beach in North Goa. It was the perfect choice because the beaches were absolutely gorgeous, but there were still semi-built up places to go.
We stayed at Shalom Guest House, which was perfect, cheap, clean, and run by the cutest old couple. I don't even want to think about how cheap it was to stay there or else I'll be tempted to go every weekend!
The colored tiles are actually broken pieces of pottery
Saturday was a beach day. We pretty much spent all day on or around the beach. And, honestly, there was no better time spent.
Beach bum cows
Seriously, where am I?
The first of many many sunset pics
We were pretty much regulars at this hotel's roof
So many rocks to climb, so little time!
Merita wanted to run and so we did (Jen's photo)
That night we went to Baga Beach to hang out with the rest of the group along with some European tourist friends we made. It was nice to be in one place with everyone because that rarely happens unless we are going to class.
The Vagator group!
Sunday some of us went to Old Goa, which was the state's center back when it was Portuguese colony. Because of this Portuguese background there is a huge Catholic influence in the state today. In Old Goa there were huge Indian-style cathedrals everywhere. We even saw the grave/kind of corpse of St. Francis Xavier.
Look Dad, I went to church!
Marigolds and Jesus: East meets West
If you look closely toward the top you can see St. Francis Xavier in the (sort of) flesh
Then after one last (very very interesting walk on the beach and seaside dinner under the stars, we loaded back on the bus to head back to Pune.
Obsessed with Goan sunsets (sure you can tell)
Needless to say, some of us are already planning on going back in December.
Grace, let me know when you are coming to Goa again, will show you a good time.
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