| |
Drugged-up
rave kids, gorgeous beaches, topless tourists, and oogling Goans
Alright,
let's get this straight from the beginning. Though Ajay seemed to
really like Goa, I was left with the permanent image of drugged
up ravers littering their plastic water bottles, bad food (the Portuguese
strike my digestive system yet again), and crowds. For all the annoyances,
it was beautiful. You just need to know where to go. Away from the
crowds, North Goa (Arambol) was a scene straight from a movie: beautiful
beaches, exotic landscapes, and sagging palm trees. Even in the
busy scene of Anjuna, a night under the gorgeous stars with the
water crashing against cliffs of sheer rock was nothing short of
inspiring.
The nightlife was very intersting. My favorite was Club Cabano.
The clubs spreads over the top of this imposing hill just outside
of Anjuna and is terraced to provide multiple levels where clubgoers
can chill, dance, swim, eat, or drink. Not only were the bathrooms
impressive, the staff and bar were very well stocked; not common
in Goa (or much of India). The music was, umm, boring. (Ajay has
definitely shaped my music tastes of late.) Another place, Club
Paradise, is carved into the cliffside next to the water and boasts
multiple levels, mediocre drinks, and repetitive trance. However,
it is an impressive space. Disco Valley is a field you stumble around
like Rose Nylan would a speed bump. It's dark with loud music, pushy
(but understandly) food and beverage vendors, and more drugged and
smelly space cadets.
I have to add a note about the food. No matter where you eat in
Goa, the food is... diverse. Magically, from a smal propane burner
and styrofoam chests hidden behind plywood and sheets, Goan restaurants
can pump out a six page menu of the most diverse tastes known to
man. Obviously, as you later discover, quality isn't job one. It's
edible food, but remember where it came from when you're eating
it. I can rough it as well as anyone, yet I worried hoping not to
risk days of stomach cramps for simple sustenance. Nonetheless,
the curse of the Portuguese (see Lisbon and the European Adventure)
struck. I was so happy to have the good home cooking from Ajay's
mom! It cleared everything up right away.
Picture Info
Old Goa was the stronghold of the Portuguese
until disease ran them to their new community of Panjim, a few miles
away. Gradually, Old Goa was abandoned. The Basilica of Bom Jesus
holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier. The building has been recovered
some, but wear was obvious. Ajay and I both agreed that Our Lady
of the Rosary, built very early in Goa's Portuguese history by Albuquerque
after taking Goa from the Muslims, was a superb location. It was
remote, removed from the main tourist site, but offered a unique
view of Old Goa. The Convent down the lane (dedicated to St. Monica)
was equally beautiful and provided a gorgeous photo. The Se, or
the Bishop's seat, was very large and yellow. It was typical of
Portuguese construction I had seen in Lisbon, but still very pretty.
North Goa was amazing, and I would return. The beach had a freshwater
lake separated from the ocean by just 30 feet of golden sand beach.
Central Goa, though photogenic, could be anywhere; even with nice
views.
|
|
